Chandigarh: PGIMER Director Dr Vivek Lal unveiled an ambitious roadmap to redefine patient experience and hospital functioning, with the highlight being the announcement of a smart mobile application developed in collaboration with C-DAC Noida. The upcoming app, expected to be launched by the end of the year, will integrate real-time indoor mapping, QR code-based patient identification, and crowd management features to streamline hospital navigation and reduce wait times. “This app will transform how we serve our patients and manage hospital systems. It is designed to make hospital visits smoother, more efficient, and patient-friendly,” stated Prof Lal while talking to Journalists in Chandigarh.
Category Archives: News
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.
Cabinet meeting in Haryana on June 26
Chandigarh: The Meeting of the Haryana Cabinet will be held on June 26 at 11 am in the main hall on the fourth floor of Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, said the government official spokesperson.
One nation, one election is the need of hour & reflects public sentiment: Hry CM
Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that ‘One Nation, One Election’ is a vital part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary concept of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”. It is not just a slogan but a national approach towards a strong and coordinated democracy. The Haryana government extends its in-principle support to this initiative, and its effective implementation will yield multi-dimensional benefits for the country, said Saini. The Chief Minister said this during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee held in New Chandigarh. The Committee is on a study tour regarding the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territory Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Chairman of the Committee, MP, PP Chaudhary, along with several other members, was present on the occasion.
MEGA PTM A HUGE SUCCESS, OVER 17L PARENTS PARTICIPATE
Chandigarh, May 31:
In a bid to strengthen parents-teachers collaboration and boost students outcomes, the Punjab School Education Department hosted Mega Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) in all the government schools across the state on Saturday, marking a first-ever initiative to engage and inform the parents about their children’s performance before commencement of summer holidays. said S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.
S. Harjot Singh Bains today personally visited visited government schools in several villages of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, including Swamipur, Bhabor Sahib, Kalsera, Rampur Sahni, Maujowal, Chhotewal, Surewal, Sukhsal, Kulgran, to engage with parents, teachers and students.
Over 17 lakh parents have attended the Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs), showcasing an overwhelming response and enthusiasm to receive updates on their children’s academic progress and overall development, said the Education Minister.
Highlighting the objective of the Mega PTMs, the Education Minister stated that the Mega PTMs aimed to boost student learning outcomes through active parental involvement. He added that school heads informed parents about holiday homework and encouraged them to ensure its completion during summer break.
Additionally, parents have also been informed about the syllabus for the bi-monthly test scheduled for July 15, 2025. Furthermore, parents and students in Classes III-VIII have been apprised of video lectures and practice questions under Mission Samarth, designed to promote continuous learning during the summer holidays.
Underscoring the School Education Department’s commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment in government schools, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that these interactions will further strengthen the bond between home and school, ultimately benefiting the students.
The Education Minister said that the Government schools also celebrated World Environment Day 2025 with activities promoting environmental conservation and sustainability, aligning with the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally.” Alongside the Mega PTM, over 19,000 government participated in tree plantation drives, cloth bag stitching demonstrations, cloth bag distribution, and School Nutrition Garden creation. This initiative aims to foster eco-friendly practices, reduce plastic usage, and promote sustainable living among students to create a greener future.
S. Bains said that Class 6th to 10th celebrated Bagless Day with hands-on activities, including handicrafts, games and artistic performances, to promote experiential learning. These initiative underscores the School Education department’s commitment to student-centred learning and parental involvement, marking a significant step towards holistic education.
Hry to Conduct State-Wide Civil Defence Exercise “Operation Shield” today
Chandigarh: Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra on Friday said that the State Government will conduct a major state-wide Civil Defence exercise, named “Operation Shield,” on Saturday across all 22 districts to enhance the state’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM, this comprehensive drill is being organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to simulate critical incidents such as air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios in the light of current national security concerns. Earlier, this mock drill was scheduled for May 29 but was postponed as per the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), she added.
Talking to Reporters, Misra said that the exercise aims to test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities and to identify areas that need to be strengthened, thus ensuring swift and effective response during any crisis. She informed that currently there are around 32,000 Civil Defence Volunteers across state who will also contribute in this exercise. All Deputy Commissioners have been directed to call out Civil Defence Volunteers, NSS, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Home Gaurds, etc. of their respective districts in order to brief them regarding their deployment, duties and exercises to be undertaken.
She further said that key components include drills responding to aerial threats such as air raids and swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), activation of air raid sirens, and testing of control room communication hotlines established with the Indian Air Force. Additionally, a controlled blackout of 15 minutes will be observed from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM near vital installations, with exception of essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.
Misra highlighted that the exercise aligns with the Incident Response System (IRS), which Haryana officially notified on January 28, 2025, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, providing a structured framework for effective emergency response. She directed all Deputy Commissioners, who are also Chairpersons of District Disaster Management Authorities, along with Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, to ensure meticulous planning and execution of the exercise in their jurisdictions. They have been instructed to submit detailed Action Taken Reports to the Commandant General, Home Guards, and Director, Civil Defence, Haryana, which will be compiled for state-level review and forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The above mock exercises are scheduled for May 31 between 5 PM to 9 PM and should not be the cause of alarm for the citizen, she added.
KONE India Accelerates North India Expansion with Strategic Mohali Office
Chandigarh, May 30
KONE Elevator India, a leading provider of elevators, escalators, and automatic building doors, has expanded its footprint in North India with the inauguration of a new office in Mohali, Punjab. This move reflects KONE’s strategic commitment under its Rise strategy, which aims to accelerate growth, strengthen local engagement, and shape the future of cities with smart and sustainable urban mobility solutions.
The new office, strategically located at Mohali Phase-11, SAS Nagar, will cater to the increasing demand for elevator and escalator solutions across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and parts of Haryana. It will also serve as an exhibition center, showcasing KONE’s advanced elevator designs, innovative features, and cutting-edge technology. The office will support Sales, Installation, Service and Modernization teams working across key cities in the states.
KONE Elevator India takes pride in partnering with prestigious projects and institutions in Tricity, Himachal & Jammu- Falcon View-JLPL, Homeland Heights-Unity Group, ISB, IISER, Punjab & Haryana High Court, Omaxe- India Trade Tower, Ambika- Florence, New PCA- Stadium, Homi Bhabha-Cancer Hospital, PGI Hospital-Chandigarh, Fortis Hospital- Mohali, Sushma -Projects, Orbit Mall, Ananta Aspire- Savasitiga Group, Nirwana Heights & Square One, Prisma- Plaza-City, Chitkara University, MMU University, Grand Walk, East Wood, MBD Mall, Mittal Mall, ITC Hotel, IIT Mandi, IIT Jammu & Jammu ISBT .The CLIO by Jubilee Group , Trident Hills by Trident Group. Many existing and Premium High rise upcoming projects will be managed from the new office.
Speaking at the inauguration, Amit Gossain, Managing Director, KONE India and South Asia, said-“We are delighted to expand our presence in Mohali—an important and fast-growing economic and cultural center in Punjab. This new office reflects our continued investment in North India and is a key step in delivering our ‘Rise to lead’ strategy on the ground. By being closer to our customers, we can offer better service, smarter solutions, and faster response times”
With a growing network of offices across India, KONE remains focused on driving innovation, excellence, and sustainability across the residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. The Mohali office adds further momentum to KONE India’s efforts to support rapid urbanization with efficient and future-ready people flow solutions.
The new office is located at KONE Elevator India Pvt Ltd, Plot No: 372, Bulk Material Market, Phase XI, Mohali, S.A.S Nagar – 160062.
Fortis Mohali introduces advanced clot retrieval devices for treatment of vascular-related disorders
Chandigarh:
Fortis Hospital Mohali has taken a major leap forward in the treatment of vascular-related disorders, particularly Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), with the introduction of state-of-the-art clot retrieval technologies. The Department of Vascular Surgery, under the leadership of Dr Ravul Jindal, Director, Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali has successfully implemented advanced non-thrombolytic mechanical thrombectomy devices that offer faster, safer, and more effective treatment for patients suffering from extensive blood clots.
DVT is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Traditionally, DVT was managed with anticoagulant therapy, which only prevents the clot from growing but does not actively remove it.
Fortis Mohali now offers next-generation clot retrieval systems such as the Penumbra Indigo Lightning System, a vacuum-based, image-guided aspiration system, and the Inari ClotTriever System, a catheter-based device designed for minimally invasive removal of large clots in a single session without the use of thrombolytic drugs. These advanced technologies significantly reduce the risk of bleeding, enhance patient safety, and ensure quicker recovery. Subsequently, the use of AngioJet (thrombectomy system used to break down and remove blood clots or thrombi from blood vessels) along with thrombolytics offered a more aggressive approach to dissolve and remove clots.
“Anticoagulation, while essential, only prevents clot propagation and does not actively remove thrombus. In extensive DVT, early clot removal can prevent long-term venous obstruction, reduce venous hypertension, significantly lower the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), and improve quality of life and mobility. These modern technologies allow for immediate and effective clot removal without the complications associated with thrombolytic agents. Early intervention not only restores normal venous circulation but also prevents PTS, a debilitating long-term condition that causes leg swelling, pain, and skin changes,” said Dr Ravul Jindal
Patients from across the region are now benefiting from quicker recovery, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced hospital stays, making Fortis Hospital Mohali a leading centre for DVT treatment in North India.
Cleanliness campaign to gain momentum in Haryana- Chief Minister launches real-time tracking portal and mobile app for monitoring door-to-door garbage collection
Chandigarh, May 28 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday launched a real-time tracking portal and mobile app of door-to-door garbage collection vehicles to further accelerate the cleanliness drive and bring more transparency to the Urban Local Bodies Department. With this digital initiative, accurate information about vehicles and manpower involved in garbage collection in municipal corporations, municipalities, and municipal councils will be available online based on live location. Every citizen will be able to track garbage collection vehicles operating in their area. This move will also ensure regular garbage pickup from every household. Currently, 37 ULBs are live on this portal.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister chaired an important meeting with District Municipal Commissioners (DMCs) and Commissioners Municipal Corporation (CMCs) on Wednesday. Urban Local Bodies Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel was also present. Various ongoing projects under the Urban Local Bodies Department were reviewed during the meeting.
Issuing strict directives on legacy waste in cities, the Chief Minister emphasized that special attention should be paid to cleanliness. No heaps of garbage should be visible in any city. The government’s goal is to make cities clean. Therefore, all officials must work responsibly. Cleanliness is our first priority, he said.
Road repairs to be completed by June 15
Issuing directions regarding the strengthening of roads in local bodies, the Chief Minister said that road improvement works must be completed within the stipulated time. No potholes should be present on any road. Concerned officers should monitor the repair works. Accelerate the pace of road repair and re-carpeting, and complete all renovation work by June 15, directed the Chief Minister.
He further directed that officers from the headquarters must visit local bodies where new sanitation tenders have been issued and submit a report on the status and progress of the work within the next 7 days. Additionally, action should be taken against the agency and contractors based on performance.
Recognition for best-performing local bodies and sanitation agencies
The Chief Minister directed all officers to ensure attendance of all sanitation workers is taken regularly. He said that local bodies performing exceptionally well in cleanliness will be recognized and awarded. Sanitation agencies and contractors ensuring proper sanitation will also be honored. To ensure safety in cities, CCTV cameras must be installed at major entry and exit points. This will also help in reducing criminal activities, he said.
Drain cleaning to be a top priority
Reviewing the progress of drain cleaning, the Chief Minister directed that clear deadlines be set and pending work be completed without delay. All drains under the jurisdiction of local bodies must be cleaned by June 15. Officials must prioritize drain cleaning ahead of the monsoon season.
Mandatory safety checks before sewer cleaning
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed concern over fatalities during sewer cleaning. He directed that safety checks must be mandatory before sewer cleaning to ensure there is no presence of harmful gases or chemicals that could endanger sanitation workers who clean sewers. He stressed the need for strict steps to improve the system.
Tagging and management of stray cattle
While reviewing stray cattle management, the Chief Minister directed that abandoned cattle be sent to gaushalas or nandishalas and be tagged to ensure all related data is available with the department. People should be made aware not to abandon animals on the roads. Individuals repeatedly abandoning cattle should be identified and strict action must be taken. The goal is to make all cities free of stray animals.
It was informed during the meeting that a State Level Committee is being formed for the relocation of stray cattle to gaushalas and nandishalas. The committee will include the Chairman of the Gau Seva Aayog, officials from Urban Local Bodies, Panchayat and Animal Husbandry Departments, and representatives from concerned gaushalas.
Resolve issues promptly in Samadhan Shivir so no citizen returns dissatisfied
Reviewing the progress of Samadhan Shivirs, the Chief Minister directed concerned officers to ensure that citizen issues are resolved quickly and no citizen returns dissatisfied. Clear reasons must be provided for rejection of complaints.
The Chief Minister suggested that where municipal bodies are performing excellently in areas like sanitation, water management, and road strengthening, mayors, district council chairpersons, and councilors should go on study tours with officers. Best practices from other cities will be implemented in Haryana to benefit the public.
All officers should work with a spirit of public service: Chief Secretary
Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi said all local bodies must set revenue targets for the financial year and make dedicated efforts to achieve them. Open auctions should be conducted for advertisement sites in all bodies, and illegal hoardings, if any, must be removed. He emphasized that municipal administration represents the government’s face, and all officers must actively engage and work with a sense of public service.
Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department Sh. Vikas Gupta, Director General Sh. Pankaj, OSD to Chief Minister Sh. Raj Nehru, and other officers also attended the meeting.
11th International Yoga Day: A Grand State-Level Celebration to be organized in Kurukshetra on June 21
Chandigarh, May 28 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a grand state-level event will be organized in Kurukshetra on June 21 to mark the 11th International Yoga Day. Approximately one lakh participants will participate in the celebrations. Renowned Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev will also grace the occasion with his presence.
The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference shortly after presiding over a meeting held today to finalize preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations, along with officials from the AYUSH Department and other concerned departments.
He said that with the efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day has been celebrated globally on June 21 each year since 2015. The Prime Minister’s proposal at the United Nations was supported by 177 countries and today entire world has embraced yoga.
The Chief Minister informed that the final preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day function were reviewed and finalized during the meeting. He emphasized the importance of creating an atmosphere where the entire state is engaged in yoga. “Yoga is an ancient tradition of our country. It is not just a form of physical exercise, but a holistic way of life. It has given us a path to health awareness,” he said. He also encouraged everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routine and contribute to building a ‘Healthy India.’
In addition to the state-level function, district-level events will be organized across all districts. Furthermore, block-level programs will be conducted in all 121 blocks of the state. The AYUSH department has prepared a detailed blueprint for these events.
The theme for this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
Training programmes to be organized across the state
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that in the lead-up to International Yoga Day, various programmes including Yoga Marathons and the Yoga Jagran Yatra will be conducted alongside dedicated training sessions. These initiatives aim to engage all sections of society from schoolchildren to the general public. The programmes will run from today until June 21. He said that Swachhata programme will also be integrated into the yoga activities.
The Chief Minister said that three-day yoga training programmes will be organized in all schools, colleges, and universities across the state. Similar training sessions will also be held for ministers, MPs, MLAs, officers, government employees, and other public representatives.
”Yoga -Yukt Haryana – Nasha-Mukt Haryana” to be launched on International Yoga Day
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that on the occasion of International Yoga Day, the state will launch the initiative “Yoga Yukt Haryana – Nasha Mukt Haryana”, in alignment with the vision of Swasth Bharat – Swasth Haryana. The campaign aims to eliminate drug addiction from society through the positive influence of yoga. As part of the celebrations, 10 lakh saplings will be planted across the state, reinforcing a commitment to environmental protection through the concept of “Green Yoga.” He also informed that a dedicated portal has been launched for registration, with a target to engage 10 lakh people in the event.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to celebrate Yoga Day as a Yoga Mahotsav by practicing yoga in parks, stadiums, rooftops, or any open space, and to spread the message of health and well-being globally. He emphasized the state government’s resolve to take yoga to every household and make Haryana a yoga-empowered state.
In response to a query about the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the Chief Minister said that there is no need for panic. Health Department is fully prepared to handle the situation.
Additional Chief Secretary of AYUSH Department Sudhir Rajpal, Chairman of Haryana Yoga Aayog Dr. Jaideep Arya, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages Department K. Makarand Pandurang, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Praveen Atrey were also present.
THREE DRUG TRAFFICKERS HELD WITH 521-GRAMS HEROIN, FOUR SOPHISTICATED PISTOLS FROM AMRITSAR
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 28:
In a major crackdown on narco-illegal-arms smuggling networks amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Border Range Amritsar has arrested three drug traffickers linked to cross-border smuggling and recovered 521 grams of heroin and four sophisticated .30 bore Px5 storm pistols along with seven magazines and 55 live cartridges, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.
Those arrested have been identified as Maninderjit Singh (26) of village Badowal in Gurdaspur, Peter (22) and Lovejit Singh alias Raja (21) of Dharamkot Randhawa in Gurdaspur. Apart from recovering heroin and weapons, police teams have also impounded their two motorcycles, which they were using to deliver consignments.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused persons were in touch with Europe and Pakistan-based drug smugglers, and were receiving narco and weapon consignments from across the border via drones.
He said that ANTF is actively pursuing both forward and backward linkages to dismantle the entire network. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, said the DGP.
Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) ANTF Nilabh Kishore said that ANTF Border Range Amritsar team had received credible inputs about the trio’s involvement in retrieving narcotics and weapons from across the border. Acting swiftly on the inputs, police teams led by Superintendent of Police (SP) ANTF Border Range Amritsar Gurpreet Singh launched an intelligence-led operation and apprehended accused persons from near Shankar Dhaba on Attari Road in Amritsar, he said.
In this regard, a case FIR No 141 dated 27.05.2025 has been registered under sections 21-C, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station ANTF in SAS Nagar.