Category Archives: Haryana

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Fifth edition of Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyaan-2025 to be held at NIPER, Mohali from Oct 31 to Nov 2

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Mohali: The fifth edition of the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyaan-2025 (SMA-2025) will be held at NIPER Mohali from October 31 to November 2. The theme for the edition will be “Classroom to Society: Building a Healthier World through Education”. The conclave will bring together leaders from academia, research, industry and policy to re-imagine the future of education in India. The previous four editions were held at NIT Jalandhar, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Srinagar and Kurukshetra University. The number of research paper submissions and project showcases have consistently grown over the years.

Each day of the Mahakumbh will focus on a distinct theme. On October 31, theme would be “Connecting Society with Schools” – exploring the vital role of community participation in education. On November 1, topic is “Academia – Industry – Society Interface” – bridging innovation and real-world impact. On November 2, the topic is “Bharat @ 2047” – envisioning India’s educational roadmap for the centenary of independence.

The inaugural day will be graced by Gulab Chand Kataria, UT Administrator and Governor of Punjab as Chief Guest, with RP Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, as Guest of Honour. On the following days, Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Governor of Haryana, and Kabinder Gupta, LG, UT of Ladakh, will grace the event as the Chief Guests. Over the three days, the conclave will feature 14 thematic conclaves, student project exhibitions, and over 250 research paper presentations, attracting participation from distinguished educators, students, and institutions from across the country. As part of the larger initiative, the Shiksha Mahakumbh Olympiad has already been successfully conducted across North India. The Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 will also feature yoga sessions, cultural interactions, and exhibitions that highlight the integration of Indian knowledge systems and modern education practices. “Shiksha Mahakumbh is not just an event but a movement towards holistic and value-based education,” said Prof. (Dr.) Thakur S.K.R., Kalpak, Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan.

Prof Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, said, “The SMA-2025 will serve as a powerful platform to align educational thought with societal needs. At NIPER, we strongly believe that education must not remain confined to classroom, but must contribute to building a healthier, more resilient world. Hosting this edition at our campus is a matter of pride and we look forward to global collaborations and actionable outcomes.”

Chandigarh, Haryana

Allegations of Illegal Detention at Bhiwani Police Station — Haryana Human Rights Commission Seeks Report from SP

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Chandigarh, October 22

Complainant Ashok Kumar, a resident of Village DhanaJanga, Tehsil and District Bhiwani, filed Complaint No. 1584/2/2025 before the Haryana Human Rights Commission. The complainant alleged that his brother, Jagjeet, lodged a false complaint at Police Station Sadar, Bhiwani. Acting upon that complaint, the Station House Officer, Police Station Sadar, Bhiwani, assigned ASI Virendra Singh to inquire into the matter.

It has further been alleged that on 13.06.2025, ASI Virendra Singh summoned the complainant to Police Station Sadar, Bhiwani, and threatened him over the phone. Upon reaching the Police Station, the complainant was allegedly subjected to intimidation and made to sit there from morning till evening without any formal arrest. After a medical examination, he was lodged in the lock-up, and a case was registered against him under Sections 126 and 170 of the BharatiyaNagarikSurakshaSanhita, 2023 (which the complainant referred to as Sections 107/151 Cr.P.C.). He remained in custody overnight and was produced before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate the following day. The complainant has requested appropriate action against the erring police official, ASI Virendra Singh.

Justice LalitBatra, Chairperson of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, observed that Sections 107 and 151 of the Cr.P.C. have been replaced by Sections 126 and 170 of the BharatiyaNagarikSurakshaSanhita (BNSS), 2023, which serve the same purpose of preventing imminent harm and ensuring public safety.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in the case of “Rajender Singh Pathania& Others vs. State (NCT of Delhi & Others)” [2011 (13) SCC 329], while interpreting Sections 107 and 151 of the Cr.P.C., observed that these provisions are preventive in nature and not punitive. Section 151 should be invoked only when there is an imminent threat to peace or when a person designs to commit a cognizable offence. Any arrest under this provision must satisfy the conditions that the officer has knowledge of the design to commit an offence and that such an arrest is necessary to prevent its commission. Otherwise, the arresting officer may be liable for violating the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution of India.

Justice LalitBatra further stated in his order that if the conditions prescribed under Section 170 of the BNSS (corresponding to Section 151 Cr.P.C.) are not met and a person is arrested, the arresting authority may be held accountable for violating the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution.

The Commission has sought a detailed report on the following points:

  • Basis of Summoning: The grounds on which the complainant was summoned to Police Station Sadar, Bhiwani, and whether due legal process under Sections 126 and 170 BNSS (107/151 Cr.P.C.) was followed.
  • Unlawful Detention / Prolonged Stay: The circumstances under which the complainant was made to stay in the Police Station for several hours and whether any official order or justification existed for such detention.
  • Necessity of Arrest / Preventive Measures: Whether preventive or coercive action under Sections 126 and 170 BNSS (107/151 Cr.P.C.) was warranted in this case and whether proper procedure was followed.
  • Conduct of Investigating Officer: A detailed account of ASI Virendra Singh’s conduct, including alleged threats, detention, and any procedural lapses.

Dr.PuneetArora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, informed that Justice LalitBatra has directed the Superintendent of Police, Bhiwani, to submit a detailed report on the above points through the Director of Investigation of the Commission before the next date of hearing, i.e., 17.12.2025.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Hooda reacted to completion of one year of the BJP government’s third term in Haryana

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Hisar, October 17:
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has reacted to the completion of one year of the BJP government’s third term in Haryana. He said, “The list of the government’s failures in one year is so long that instead of celebrating, it should introspect.”
Hooda said Haryana farmers are forced to wander from pillar to post in the markets because government agencies are refusing to purchase paddy, citing moisture and black grains as excuses. He explained that farmers’ crops are being sold at prices ₹400-₹500 per quintal below the MSP, causing farmers to face financial crisis.
“During the elections, the BJP promised to pay ₹3100 per quintal for paddy and purchase all crops at MSP, but today the reality is the opposite. The government is unable to provide farmers with MSP, fertilizers, or timely compensation,” he said.
Referring to his visit to the mandis, Hooda said chaos, open loot, and corruption are rampant in the mandis. “Farmers are facing severe difficulties in obtaining gate passes, space, and payment. No compensation has yet been provided for the crop losses caused by heavy rains last year and this year,” he added.
The Leader of the Opposition also raised serious questions about the law and order situation in the state. He said crime is rapidly increasing and criminals are unbridled, while the police force, which is responsible for public safety, feels helpless and hopeless. “Policemen are committing suicide, which reflects the insensitivity of the government and administration,” he pointed out.
Hooda said in a situation where farmers, youth, employees, and businessmen are all suffering, and unemployment and corruption are rampant, celebrating the BJP government is a joke on the public. He said the claims of a double-engine government have also proven to be completely hollow—Haryana has neither hot a major project from the central government, nor has the state government been able to implement any major development work,” he stated.
Before speaking to reporters, Hooda visited the residence of the late Mr. Jaswant Singh in Hisar today, where he paid tribute to his wife and sister, the late Mrs. Sushila Devi, and expressed his condolences to the family.
Following this, Hooda participated in an important joining ceremony. During this ceremony, Pradeep Saini, district patron of the All India Saini Samaj Seva Mandal and a senior BJP leader, joined the Congress party, expressing full confidence in Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s leadership.

Chandigarh, Haryana

विधानसभा स्तर पर नारायणगढ़ से होगी हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान अभियान की शुरुआत

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चंडीगढ़, 08 अक्टूबर।

हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान अभियान अब नए कलेवर में नजर आएगा। अब हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान जन चेतना ट्रस्ट के तौर पर दलितों के हकों की आवाज बुलंद करेगा और उनके अधिकारियों की लड़ाई लड़ेगा। बुधवार को चंडीगढ़ में केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल के मुख्य मीडिया सलाहकार सुदेश कटारिया ने हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान जन चेतना ट्रस्ट की घोषणा की। पत्रकारों से बातचीत करते हुए सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि ट्रस्ट का उद्देश्य संविधान निर्माता बाबा साहेब के विचारों, सिंद्धातों और आदर्शों को जन-जन तक पहुंचाना है। अब जिलास्तर के बाद विधानसभा स्तर पर हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान का आगाज होगा और 9 अक्टूबर को नारायणगढ़ विधानसभा में दलित सम्मेलन का आयोजन होगा। वहीं उन्होंने, इस दौरान जिलाध्यक्षों के नामों की घोषणा की और उनको नियुक्त पत्र बांटे।
सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि दलित, शोषित और वंचित वर्ग तक सरकार की योजनाओं को पहुंचाने में जन चेतना ट्रस्ट की अहम भूमिका रहेगी। इसके साथ ही दलित जन प्रतिनिधियों के साथ हो रही अनदेखी को लेकर भी ट्रस्ट प्रमुखता से काम करेगा।
उन्होंने कहा कि एक वर्ष पहले धर्मनगरी कुरुक्षेत्र से दलितों के हकों की आवाज बुलंद करने का केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल ने शंखनाद किया था। तब से लेकर अब तक हर जिले में जिलास्तर पर कार्यक्रम हो चुके हैं। अब विधानसभा स्तर पर कार्यक्रमों की रूपरेखा तैयार कर ली गई है।
सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि कांग्रेस संविधान के नाम पर दलितों को गुमराह कर रही है। संविधान केवल एक दस्तावेज नहीं है, बल्कि यह भारतीय लोकतंत्र और दलितों की आत्मा है। कांग्रेस ने हमेशा उनकी आत्मा को ठेस पहुंचाई है। कांग्रेस आज वोट चोरी के नाम पर लोगों को गुमराह कर रही है, लेकिन वोट चोरी तो कांग्रेस ने 1952 में की थी, जब तत्कालीन प्रधानमंत्री जवाहर लाल नेहरू ने 74 हजार वोटों को रद्द करवाकर संविधान निर्माता को हराने का काम किया था। कांग्रेस ने हमेशा वोट चोरी और दलितों को गुमराह करके सत्ता हासिल की है। मगर अब कांग्रेस का यह झूठ नहीं चलेगा, क्योंकि अब दलित जागरूक हो चुका है।

18 जिलों के जिलाध्यक्षों की गई घोषणा
हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान जन चेतना ट्रस्ट के अध्यक्ष सुदेश कटारिया ने 18 जिलों के जिलाध्यक्षों के नामों की घोषणा की। इनमें अंबाला का जिलाध्यक्ष मोहनीश कपूर सिंह को नियुक्त किया गया है। इसके साथ ही करनाल का इंद्र सिंह निगदू, कुरुक्षेत्र का सुनील मिर्जापुर, कैथल का संजीव कुमार, गुरुग्राम का किरोड़ी तंवर, चरखी-दादरी का पवन कुमार, पानीपत का धर्मवीर कुराना, फरीदाबाद का मनोज कुमार, फतेहाबाद का सुरजीत मैंडल, यमुनानगर का शास्वत चौधरी, पलवल का राजकुमार चौहान, पंचकूला का गुरमेल मेहरा, महेंद्रगढ़ का दिनेश खातौद, नूंह का गंगादान डागर, झज्जर का अरुण खासा, हांसी का अनूप भौरिया, हिसार का शमशेर गिल और भिवानी का सतीश बड़सी को जिलाध्यक्ष नियुक्त किया है। जल्द ही बाकी जिलों के जिलाध्यक्षों के नामों की घोषणा होगी और जिला अध्यक्ष जिला और ब्लॉक कार्यकारिणी गठित करेंगे।

धर्मनगरी कुरुक्षेत्र से हुआ था दलित सम्मान स्वाभिमान का शंखनाद
हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान जन चेतना ट्रस्ट के अध्यक्ष एवं केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल के मुख्य मीडिया सलाहकार सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि वर्ष-2024 में गीता की उपदेशात्मक स्थली कुरुक्षेत्र से दलित सम्मान स्वाभिमान का शंखनाद हुआ था। केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल ने बतौर मुख्यातिथि न केवल दलितों के हकों की आवाज बुलंद की थी, बल्कि केंद्रीय कानून मंत्री अर्जुन मेघवाल ने संविधान के नाम पर कांग्रेस के ढकोसले से पर्दा उठाया था। तब से लेकर अब तक 100 से ज्यादा कार्यक्रम आयोजित किए जा चुके हैं। वर्ष 2024 का दलित सम्मान स्वाभिमान समारोह का प्रदेश में भाजपा की तीसरी बार सरकार बनाने में बड़ा योगदान रहा है।

मनोहर राज में मिला दलितों को सम्मान
केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल के मुख्य मीडिया सलाहकार सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि जब वर्ष 2014 में बतौर मुख्यमंत्री मनोहर लाल ने प्रदेश की कमान संभाली तो उन्होंने सबसे पहले भाई भतीजावाद, भ्रष्टाचार, क्षेत्रवाद और जातिवाद को समाप्त किया। इसके साथ ही नौकरियों में मिशन मेरिट की शुरुआत की, जिससे दलितों का बिना पर्ची-बिना खर्ची नौकरी लगने का सपना पूरा हुआ। वहीं, उन्होंने दलितों की सबसे बड़ी मांग एससी कमीशन, सफाई आयोग और पदोन्नति में आरक्षण को लागू किया। जबकि पूर्व की सरकारों ने दलितों की सुध नहीं ली और हर 18वें मिनट में दलितों पर अत्याचार होते थे। दलितों को मनोहर राज में अत्याचारों से मुक्ति मिली और एससी कमीशन के जरिये उनकी समस्याओं की त्वरित सुनवाई होती है।

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh Hosts Grand Convocation Ceremony

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Chandigarh

SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh held its Convocation Ceremony on August 28, 2025, in a dignified and celebratory event graced by the presence of the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria.

The Governor was welcomed with a traditional ceremonial procession led by a band and escorted by eminent dignitaries, including Jagdish B. Parikh, Nominee of the Chancellor & Joint Treasurer, SVKM; Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS; Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr. Meenu Mehta, Dean, School of Commerce; and Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Campus Director, SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh. The academic procession was led ceremonially by Dr. Tanmoy Chakraborty, Registrar, carrying the “Raj Dand”, a symbol of academic authority and tradition.

The event commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a soulful rendition of the Saraswati Vandana. Jagdish B. Parikh formally declared the convocation ceremony open, setting the tone for a day of reflection, celebration, and inspiration.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for his esteemed presence. He acknowledged the contributions of the SVKM’s NMIMS leadership, faculty, staff, and families, and commended the graduating students for their perseverance and achievements.

Dr. Bhatt highlighted SVKM’s NMIMS’s recent accolades, including the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and its ranking among the Top 50 universities in India. He credited this success to the visionary leadership of Amrishbhai Patel, Chancellor of NMIMS, and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and holistic education.

Welcoming the guests, Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director, SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh, recognized the presence of Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Jagdish B. Parikh, Nominee of the Chancellor & Joint Treasurer, SVKM, Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Tanmoy Chakraborty, Registrar and Dr. Meenu Mehta, Dean, School of Commerce

She presented an academic overview, highlighting the campus’s achievements in research, student development, and institutional growth. She emphasized NMIMS Chandigarh’s commitment to holistic education, underscoring the importance of platforms that foster innovation, leadership, and practical learning. Over the academic year, the campus hosted several impactful events and competitions such as Manfiest, Management Conclave, Hackathon, Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), Anviksha, and the prestigious National Moot Court Competition. Commending the dedicated efforts of the faculty, staff, and students, she concluded her address by inspiring the graduating class with the message:

“Courage to Try and Humility to Learn.”

Degree Conferment & Awards

The Governor formally conferred degrees upon the graduating students, celebrating their hard-earned accomplishments. Special honors were awarded to students on the Dean’s

List for academic excellence:

Outstanding Academic Achievers:

•          Sahnvi Gupta – B.Com (Hons.)

•          Suhani – B.Com (Hons.)

Faculty Awards for Excellence:

•          Dr. Vanita Sharma – School of Commerce

•          Dr. Aditya Bakshi – School of Technology Management & Engineering

•          Dr. Mohit Pahwa – School of Law

Staff Recognition:

•          Mr. Sachin Dhiman – Best Employee (Maintenance Officer)

In his keynote address, Gulab Chand Kataria congratulated the graduating students and lauded the academic community of SVKM’s NMIMS. He praised the university’s progressive vision and institutional journey under SVKM’s NMIMS leadership.

Acknowledging the significance of women leadership in education, he noted that 60–70% of gold medalists in Indian universities are women, applauding SVKM’s NMIMS for contributing to this positive trend. He emphasized the pivotal role of faculty in shaping academic institutions and expressed admiration for SVKM NMIMS’s growth and recent NAAC A++ recognition.

The convocation concluded with the National Anthem, drawing to a close a memorable celebration of academic excellence, commitment, and inspiration for the future leaders of tomorrow.

Chandigarh, Haryana

‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 183, PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS RAIDS AT 324 SITES; 68 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD

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CHANDIGARH, August 31:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 183rd day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 324 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 68 drug smugglers after registration of 46 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 27,787 in 183 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 3.9 heroin, 2.5 kg opium, 962 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 2 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 100 Police teams, comprising over 900 police personnel, under the supervision of 70 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 356 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 28 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Haryana

HEALTH MINISTER DR. BALBIR SINGH VISITS FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS OF GURDASPUR, PERSONALLY PLEDGES FINANCIAL AID

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CHANDIGARH/GURDASPUR, August 31:

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, along with  MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, today visited the flood-affected areas of Gurdaspur district. The Minister visited relief camps set up by the district administration in villages Narhawali, Kalanor, Machrala, Pakhoke, and Dera Baba Nanak to review the health services being provided  to people by the Health Department.

During the visit, Dr. Balbir Singh distributed relief materials to individuals at the camps and assured them that the Punjab Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time. He stated that the Health Department will leave no stone unturned in providing health services to people in the flood-affected areas.

Interacting with media persons, the Health Minister said he is touring the flood-affected areas of the state and that people have suffered significant losses due to the floods. He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the entire Punjab Government is working relentlessly to help the victims in every way possible. He noted that the state government first safely evacuated people from the affected areas and that relief operations are ongoing, with essential supplies being continuously delivered to those in need. Arrangements for fodder for livestock are also being made, with significant support from social service organizations.

Dr. Balbir Singh stated that Health Department teams are working continuously in the flood-affected areas to ensure people face no health problems. He informed that special medical camps are being organized and that necessary steps have been taken to prevent the spread of diseases like Dengue, Malaria, and Diarrhoea from the floodwaters. The Minister informed that he has also requested 100 ambulances with paramedical staff from the Indian Medical Association, which will arrive soon.

Acknowledging the extensive damage to crops and houses, Dr. Balbir Singh announced that while the Punjab Government is helping the affected families in every possible way, he will personally provide financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each to one flood-affected farmer family and one labourer family. Additionally, in line with the Punjab Government’s decision, he will donate one month’s salary to aid the flood-affected people. He also appealed to NRIs and social service institutions to come forward and help the victims.

During the tour, the Health Minister also visited the Community Health Centre in Kalanaur.

Civil Surgeon Gurdaspur, Dr. Jaswinder Singh, informed the Minister that besides organizing medical camps, Health Department teams are conducting water sampling, health awareness drives, and rescuing patients in the affected villages. All necessary health services are being provided, and medicines are being given free of cost to patients.

He detailed that 3 Rapid Response Teams have been formed at the district level and 19 at the block level. For public convenience, 38 mobile medical teams are providing services in the flood-affected areas. The health department has 6 of its own ambulances and 18 from 108 service operational for the public. Teams have been provided with on-the-spot water testing kits to check the quality of drinking water immediately, and chlorination of water is being carried out by the Health Department.

The Health Minister was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Rupinderjit Saini, newly appointed Chairman of the District Planning Committee and AAP District President Joban Randhawa, Chairman Balwinder Singh Haruwal, SDM Kalanaur Jyotsana Singh, SDM Dera Baba Nanak Dr. Aditya Sharma, SDM Fatehgarh Churian Gurmandar Singh, Tehsildar Rajinder Singh, District Media Incharge Mukhdev Singh Alowal, and other officers of the Health Department.

Haryana

AMAN ARORA SEEKS RELEASE OF ₹60K CRORE STALLED FUNDS, DEMANDS 3-FOLD HIKE IN FLOOD COMPENSATION

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CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 31:

After visiting the flood-hit areas in Amritsar district, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora today urged the Central Government to immediately release Rs 60,000 crore stalled funds and also demanded to triple the compensation amount for flood victims in the state.

He, along with PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO and MLA S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, was addressing a press conference at Circuit House in Amritsar, on Sunday, following his visit to flood-affected areas in Ajnala and Ramdas.

He assessed the damage caused by the floods and oversaw relief operations carried by district administration. He emphasised the need for immediate action to support the people affected by the floods. He also highlighted the state government’s efforts to rescue people, their animals, and belongings, and provide essential supplies like food and medicine. He also attributed the flooding to cloudbursts in hilly areas and stated that a preliminary assessment is underway.

Highlighting the dire situation, Mr. Aman Arora stated that approximately 3 lakh acres of farmland, mainly paddy fields, are still submerged under floodwater, resulting in massive crop losses just weeks before harvest. Furthermore, widespread loss of livestock is severely affecting rural households that rely heavily on dairy and animal husbandry for their livelihood.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government, Mr Aman Arora accused the union government of step-motherly treatment towards Punjab. He emphasised that the Centre must take responsibility for Punjab’s plight and provide immediate assistance. He highlighted that the Centre Government has scrapped Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) projects worth Rs. 828 crore in Punjab, which would adversely impacted state’s rural connectivity in long-run.

He noted that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has already written to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and release funds to support the flood-affected families.

Mr. Aman Arora shared that the current compensation for flood victims is inadequate, citing Rs 6,800 per acre for crop damage, paying such a petty amount would be a cruel joke with the “Annadata”, Rs 1.20 lakh for damaged houses and Rs 4 lakh in case of death. He demanded that at-least Rs 50,000 per acre should be paid to the farmers and the compensation for other losses should also be hiked to ensure sufficient relief to affected families.

Mr. Aman Arora pointed out that Punjab has suffered significant revenue losses of approximately Rs 50,000 crore over the past years due to implementation of the GST regime and Rs. 8,000 crore has been withheld in Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF). Despite these facts, the Central Government has not provided any compensation or special package for the state, he added.

Mr. Aman Arora urged the BJP leadership in Punjab to prioritise securing a special package for the state instead of indulging in photo ops in flood-affected areas. “It’s time for the Central Government to take concrete steps to support Punjab in this hour of need,” he stressed.

Chandigarh, Haryana

PSEB EMPLOYEES’ ORGANIZATIONS CALL OFF STRIKE FOLLOWING MEETING WITH POWER MINISTER

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Chandigarh/Patiala, August 14:

Following discussions with Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in Patiala today, the PSEB Employees Joint Forum and Bijli Mulazam Ekta Manch Punjab have announced withdrawal of their ongoing strike action.

The breakthrough came after extensive meetings, held on August 10 and 14, 2025, chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, alongside PSPCL administration officials at Punjab Bhawan and PSPCL Guest House, Chandigarh, culminated in the acceptance of key employee demands, with formal minutes documenting the agreements reached.

Addressing the media, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating that comprehensive discussions between union representatives and the government had yielded mutually acceptable solutions. He assured that PSPCL’s Board of Directors would expedite formal approval of the agreed provisions, while matters requiring Punjab Cabinet sanction would be fast-tracked through appropriate channels.

The Power Minister thanked organizational leaders and members for demonstrating trust in government assurances and resuming duties promptly. He stressed the critical importance of the period leading up to September 30, highlighting the essential need for uninterrupted power supply during the peak paddy cultivation season and heightened domestic consumption.

Reinforcing Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment to youth employment, the Cabinet Minister highlighted the government’s remarkable achievement of creating over 55,000 employment opportunities across the past three and a half years. Addressing recruitment concerns within PSPCL and PSTCL, he disclosed that more than 7,000 appointments have already been completed, with an additional 11,000 positions scheduled for completion by year-end.

Similarly, it has been decided to increase the ex-gratia amount by ₹5 lakh, raising it to ₹35 lakh. A committee has also been constituted to address the demands of outsourced and contractual employees and its recommendations will be implemented as soon as they are submitted.

The Power Minister assured that the people of Punjab would not face any inconvenience and the Mann Government is committed to accepting every legitimate demand of government employees.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Participants in Tiranga Yatra in Ambala Cantonment danced, sang, and swayed to patriotic tunes: Anil Vij

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Chandigarh, August 13 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport & Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that when the spirit of patriotism fully takes root and roars within the people, even the greatest enemies of the nation flee in fear. He said that as the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, his party has decided to organize Tiranga Yatra in every city and state to drape the country in the colours of the national flag. In this series of programs, a large number of people participated in the Tiranga Yatra held today in Ambala Cantonment, where they danced, sang, and swayed to patriotic tunes.

While speaking to Media Persons after the massive Tiranga Yatra organised in Ambala Cantonment on the occasion of Independence Day, Sh. Vij said that under his leadership, the Bharatiya Janata Party took out the Yatra with great enthusiasm. Sh. Vij was seen immersed in patriotic fervour, holding the Tricolour in his hand, dancing to patriotic songs, and infusing the atmosphere with energy by waving the flag and raising slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.

*The entire city was awash in the colours of the Tricolour, with tremendous enthusiasm among the people for the Yatra*

The Tiranga Yatra began from Aggarwal Dharamshala in Ambala Cantonment and saw participation from thousands of workers as well as citizens. The city was draped in the colours of the national flag, and excitement among the people was palpable. Throughout the route, the Yatra was greeted with grand welcomes. The procession, starting from Aggarwal Dharamshala, passed through Railway Road, Sadar Bazar, Sabzi Mandi, Pul Chameli, Kesra Bazar, Kabadi Bazar, and Government College before returning to its starting point.

*Ambala Cantonment overflowed with patriotic spirit during the Tiranga Yatra*

Everywhere the Yatra passed, people danced and swayed to patriotic songs. Flowers were showered on the march at various points along the route. Residents and shopkeepers welcomed the procession by throwing flowers from the rooftops of their homes and shops. During the program, Sh. Vij greeted the participants and extended Independence Day wishes to all.

Prominent attendees included State Organization General Secretary Phanidranath Sharma, Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, Vice-Chairman Lalata Prasad, BJP leaders Jasbir Singh Jassi, Dimple Gupta, Aarti Sehgal, Surender Bindra, Ajay Baveja, Ravi Buddhiraja, Harsh Bindra, Pravesh Sharma, Vikas Bahgal, Sanjeev Soni, B.S. Bindra, Ashish Aggarwal, Madan Lal Sharma, Ram Babu Yadav, Bharat Kochhar, Fakir Chand Saini, Billu Rana, Balkesh Vats, Subhash Sharma, Ramesh Saini, Randhir Singh, Sudarshan Singh Sehgal, Shyam Sunder Arora, Balit Nagpal among others.