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.

Gardens based on fruits, vegetables and herbal plants should be planted in schools and Anganwadis to reduce impact of climate change: Bal Mukund Sharma

New Delhi/Chandigarh 25 April:

A two-day international seminar was organised at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in the national capital, New Delhi, on the impact of climate change on food security. Mr. Bal Mukund Sharma, Chairman of Punjab State Food Commission, participated in this seminar.

Addressing the seminar, Mr. Sharma said that climate change is emerging as a very big challenge for the whole world. He said that it is causing water crisis as the earth’s temperature is increasing rapidly and glaciers are melting.

He said that the Punjab Government has taking several steps to save water resources and climate under which priority was being given to sustainable farming, diversification and sowing of crops that consume less water. He said that Punjab had suffered a lot by over-explolating its natural resources to feed the entire country, especially paddy cultivation which had caused huge damage to ground water level, soil health besides environmental damage through excessive production of green gases and carbon.

Mr Sharma said that continuous efforts were being made by the Punjab government to avoid the effects of climate change, for which, apart from growing forests, special financial assistance is being provided for direct sowing of paddy, 33 percent subsidy on BT cotton seeds and Rs 500 crore is being spent on the purchase of stubble management machines.

He also emphasized that along with food security, we should all work together for nutrition security and a campaign should be prepared in this direction, through which “nutrition gardens” based on vegetables, fruits and herbal plants should be prepared in schools and Anganwadis. He added that children would be make aware of the importance of nutrition at an early age, while these beneficial vegetables and herbal plants like curry leaves, mint, drumstick etc. can also become a part of the mid-day meal given to them.

Punjab notched another success; Hydel projects witnessed record breaking power generation

Chandigarh, April 25

          Punjab’s hydropower sector has achieved a significant milestone during the financial year 2024-25, setting new benchmarks in electricity generation. Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced today that three major hydel projects under the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) have not only surpassed their annual generation targets but also recorded their highest output in the past three years.

          The Shanan Power House, located in Joginder Nagar, emerged as a standout performer by generating 512.656 million units (MU) of electricity, exceeding its annual target of 480 MU by 6.80%. This exceptional performance is attributed to efficient plant operation, favourable hydrological conditions and timely maintenance practices. Following closely, the Anandpur Sahib Hydel Project (ASHP) generated 486.14 MU, outperforming its target of 470 MU by 3.43 percent.

          Meanwhile, the Mukerian Hydel Project, the largest among the three in terms of capacity, registered a staggering 1326.81 MU of electricity generation, surpassing its annual target of 1110 MU by an impressive 19.53%. This marks the highest generation recorded at the project in the past three years and underscores the efficiency and robustness of Punjab’s hydropower infrastructure.

          “The remarkable performance of our hydel projects during 2024-25 reflects our commitment to sustainable and efficient energy generation. These figures not only surpass our internal benchmarks but also exceed the targets set by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), New Delhi,” said Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. He added that this achievement is a testament to the relentless efforts of our engineers, technical staff, and management teams who have worked tirelessly to enhance output and optimise resources.

          Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO further emphasised the importance of hydropower as a clean and renewable energy source that supports Punjab’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy self-sufficiency.

          He also acknowledged the support of the state government and expressed confidence in maintaining the upward trajectory in the years to come. “With strategic investments, modern technology, and the dedication of our workforce, Punjab’s hydropower sector is poised for even greater success,” he added.

          The exceptional performance of the Shanan, Anandpur Sahib, and Mukerian hydel projects not only reinforces the efficiency of Punjab’s power generation capabilities but also contributes positively to the state’s economy and environment by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Development works worth Rs 27.18 crore in Jandiala Guru be completed soon,Hospital and college facilities will be available soon: Harbhajan Singh

Chandigarh, April 25

Punjab PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. on Friday held a meeting with the officers of various departments at Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh to give further impetus to the development works being carried out in Jandiala Guru constituency.

Reviewing the status of development works, Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. held detailed discussions and directed the officials concerned to further accelerate the pace. He also took stock of ongoing construction of a 30-bed hospital at a cost of Rs. 8.63 crore in  Jandiala Guru, a new government polytechnic college being constructed at a cost of Rs. 14.97 crore and a sub-tehsil including Patwarkhana to be completed at a cost of Rs. 3.58 crore.

The meeting was attended by Director Technical Education Mr. Munish Kumar, Director Health Services Mrs. Hatinder Kaur, Chief Engineer of PWD Mr. Vipin Bansal and other senior officers.

The Cabinet Minister directed the officials to ensure regular review of status so that these significant works could be accomplished in the right earnest to facilitate general public. The Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to fully develop the Jandiala Guru constituency with carrying out various development works.

PUNJAB GOVT’s INITIATIVE TO BUILD SMART AANGANWADIS; WORKERS & HELPERS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH SMARTPHONES

Chandigarh, April 25:

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced that the State Government will soon provide smartphones to Anganwadi Workers and Helpers to enable them to perform their daily duties in a more organized and modern manner. She said that the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making sincere efforts to address the legitimate demands of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers with utmost sensitivity.

During a meeting held at Punjab Bhawan with representatives of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, Dr. Baljit Kaur attentively listened to their issues and assured them that demands which can be resolved at the departmental level will be addressed promptly. She further mentioned that demands requiring decisions at the State Government level will be thoroughly reviewed and formal recommendations will be submitted to the Chief Minister for further necessary action.

The Minister informed that fulfilling the demand for smartphones is being prioritized to enhance the efficiency and field performance of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. These smartphones will help connect them with modern technological resources and assist in ensuring effective implementation of government welfare schemes at the grassroots level.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also highlighted that the State Government is equally concerned about the health and well-being of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. In this regard, a campaign had already been launched by the department to complete the eKYC process for all Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, which will be a significant step towards providing them with better health security benefits.

In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to safeguarding the rights of its workforce and will continue to take welfare-oriented decisions in the future as well. She emphasized that the government will always remain responsive to the demands and suggestions of workers and will keep introducing new initiatives for public welfare in the coming days.

88-year-old man with multiple heart blockages treated successfully via Laser Coronary Angiography at Fortis Mohali

Chandigarh, April 17, 2025: A team of doctors at Fortis Hospital Mohali led by Dr RK Jaswal, Head of Department and Director of Cardiology and Director – Cathlabs has recently treated an 88-year-old diabetic man, who had been suffering from prolonged coronary artery disease and was experiencing severe chest pain. The patient was immediately rushed for Laser Coronary Angioplasty, also known as Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty (ELCA)which revealed heavy calcium deposits in the stent deployed more than 30 years ago in his heart’s coronary arteries, along with thrombus (blood clot) andsevere blockage of stent.

The Patiala-based patient had undergone angioplasty about 30 years ago in New Delhi. The stent blockage with heavy calcium deposit and clot formation inside the stent were causing severe chest pain and discomfort in him. However, the symptoms were severe and recurrent despite optimal medical management. Since the patient was in critical condition, none of the hospitals in Patiala admitted him and took the risk of performing any high risk cardiac intervention. His family members immediately rushed him to the Fortis Hospital, Mohali for the advanced treatment options.

Considering the patient’s age and critical condition, Dr Jaswal conducted Laser Coronary Angioplasty, wherein high-intensity laser light was used to remove blockages in his blocked coronary arteries, without wasting any further time. This procedure is the latest and most advanced technology for patients suffering from multiple heart blockages in previously deployed stent. The Patient had a smooth post-operative recovery and was discharged within two days after the surgery.

Discussing the benefits of ELCA in such critical cases, Dr Jaswal, said, “ELCA is a breakthrough in heart treatment. Unlike routine angioplasty, which can lead to the sudden blockage of arteries and clot formation, ELCA completely annihilates the material blocking the heart arteries, leaving no risk of further complications. This makes it a safer and more effective option, especially for patients with high clot loads or those who have previously undergone stent treatments. For patients with complex coronary heart disease, including small vessel disease, bifurcation blockages, and those with failed stents or bypass grafts, ELCA is a game-changer. It reopens blocked arteries more effectively, providing relief where traditional methods fall short and reducing the chances of future heart attacks.”

Dr Jaswal further added, “Laser is extremely helpful in patients who have undergone bypass surgery in the past and come back with heart diseases again due to blocked bypass grafts. In such cases, laser can restore blood flow in the degenerated grafts much more effectively than routine angioplasty and stenting with distal protection device.”

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, ~4,700 operational beds (including O&M facilities), and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with a global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs over 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.

SARTHAK – A Monitoring and Evaluation Initiative by NHM Haryana

Chandigarh, April 22- Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Haryana, Dr. Virender Yadav said that NHM, Health Department, Haryana has launched a new initiative called SARTHAK (Systematic Assessment and Resilient Transformation in Health Accountability and Knowledge). The SARTHAK is a structured assessment and monitoring framework designed to ensure accountability, quality improvement, and enhanced service delivery across healthcare facilities in the state. Through this initiative, dedicated teams from the NHM Haryana Headquarters and Director General Health Services (DGHS) shall visit each district, evaluating healthcare facilities ranging from District Hospitals (DHs) to Sub-Centres (SCs), including the performance of frontline health workers such as Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANMs). The team shall also ensure community participation regarding the health facilities and various programmes related with Health and NHM. The initiative is centered and established on evidence-based evaluation, structured data collection, and real-time feedback mechanisms to bridge gaps in service delivery, optimize resource utilization, and ensure the effective implementation of various Health programmes across Haryana.

Dr. Virender Yadav further said that the teams after visiting the districts will prepare the detailed report of the visits and submit the report to Deputy Commissioner and Civil Surgeon of the respective districts. It will help the district administration to bridge gaps in service delivery and optimizing the resource utilization and effective implementation of Programmes.

State-Level Panchayati Raj Event on April 24 in Panchkula

Chandigarh, April 22 – With the aim of empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions to become more robust, accountable, and transparent, the Haryana Government will organize a state-level programme on April 24 at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will grace the occasion as the chief guest.

The objective of this event is not only to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system but also to inform elected representatives, especially women, about their rights, responsibilities, and government schemes, thereby making them more impactful.

Sharing more details in this regard an official spokesperson informed that thousands of Panchayati Raj representatives from across the state will participate in this programme. The large presence of women representatives will mark a significant step towards women empowerment.

The spokesperson said that during the programme, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will address the nation from Madhubani, Bihar which will also be broadcast via video conferencing, providing Haryana’s representatives the opportunity to draw inspiration from his guidance.

The spokesperson further shared that there are presently around 80,000 elected representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions across Haryana, with approximately 50 percent of them being women, an indication of their strong participation in democracy and a symbol of women empowerment. In line with the vision of the ‘Triple Engine Sarkar’, development work in the state is progressing at triple the speed, along with meaningful steps to promote transparency, participation, and accountability.

The spokesperson said that this programme will showcase the concept of transparency by demonstrating real-time information on panchayat functioning, fund utilization, and development activities. It is also being organized to provide representatives with information about government schemes and policies, to encourage effective grassroots-level implementation, and to gather their feedback.

The government aims to make the Panchayati Raj system even more robust, transparent, and accountable so that rural development accelerates and the role of public representatives becomes increasingly effective, said the spokesperson.

Haryana Right to Service Commission acts on DHBVN negligence, Rs 5,000 compensation ordered

Chandigarh April 22: In a significant decision, the Haryana Right to Service Commission has directed Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) to pay Rs 5,000 as compensation to a complainant due to lapses and negligence in service delivery by the electricity department.

Sh Bharat Yadav, a resident of Gurugram, had filed a complaint with the Commission stating that he had applied for a 2 kW domestic electricity connection on January 1, 2025. Despite multiple visits to the departmental offices, he was neither given a clear explanation for the delay nor any update on the status of his application. After an extended wait, the No Objection Certificate (NOC) was finally issued on March 26, 2025. During this period, the application was neither rejected nor given any information, causing the applicant undue mental stress.

While giving information in this regard, a spokesperson of the Commission said that the investigation confirmed that Sh Yadav was subjected to unnecessary mental harassment without any fault on his part, holding DHBVN accountable for the inconvenience caused.

During the hearing, the Commission found that a letter dated December 24, 2024, sent to the builder by the corporation, clearly mentioned that approval for converting the single-point connection into a multi-point one had already been granted by DHBVN’s full-time Directors on May 30, 2024. Yet, officials delayed the process citing the pending approval of ‘Vidyutikaran Yojana’. The Commission also clarified that such a scheme is submitted only by the colonizer or other government agencies, and not by DHBVN itself, when the connections are to be issued directly by the corporation.

The Commission further discovered that DHBVN had already procured approximately 4,000 meters, indicating the corporation’s intent to issue connections prior to the approval of Vidhyudhikaran Yojana. It also noted that around 39 similar connections had been issued without the scheme’s formal sanction, raising questions about why Sh Yadav was denied the same facility.

Taking a serious view of the matter, the Commission declared it a violation of consumer rights and a case of clear service negligence. Under Section 17(1)(h) of the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, the Commission approved compensation of Rs 5,000, to be paid initially by DHBVN from its own funds. The amount may be recovered from the responsible officers following an internal inquiry.

Additionally, the Commission expressed disapproval of the conduct of Executive Engineer Sh Vikas Yadav, the designated first-level grievance redressal authority, for failing to attend two hearings. The Commission has cautioned him to act responsibly in the future and has added his name to the monitoring database for performance tracking.

State Government Committed to providing better facilities to Sportspersons: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, April 22

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is committed to providing better facilities to sportspersons. He directed that special plans be prepared to ensure high-quality infrastructure and support for athletes training in state sports stadiums and sports nurseries. He also emphasized setting up excellence centers focusing on specific elite sports and issuing unique IDs to athletes. These directives were given during a review

These directives were given during a review meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister of the Sports Department held at the Secretariat on Monday late evening. Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam was also present.

During the meeting, a new portal for managing cash rewards and scholarships for sportspersons was launched. Through this portal, athletes can apply for scholarships and cash rewards provided by the Sports Department, ensuring transparent and convenient access to benefits. Since 2014, under the cash reward scheme, 16,305 athletes have been disbursed Rs. 599.43 crore by the department.

The Sports officers present in the meeting apprised the Chief Minister regarding the department’s achievements. They highlighted that the Sports Department is providing equal opportunities for all citizens to participate in sports, encouraging collective participation, and promoting excellence. Discussing the state’s sports infrastructure, officers shared that Haryana presently has 3 state-level, 21 district-level, 25 sub-division level stadiums, 163 Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complexes, and 245 mini rural stadiums, all offering various facilities to athletes. Additionally, there are around 1,500 sports nurseries, with a target to increase this number to 2,000 by the financial year 2025–2026.

Cricket stadium in the state to be revamped, Special Plan for Palwal

The Chief Minister also gave directions about the improvement of cricket stadiums in the state during the meeting. He directed that the ground and seating area of Panchkula Cricket Stadium be upgraded. Besides this, the installation of high-mast lights and other modern facilities should also be ensured in the stadium. Similar improvements are planned for Raja Nahar Singh Stadium in Faridabad, directed Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Besides this, discussions on developing an international-level sports complex on 100 acres in Palwal was also held. A special project has been proposed, which includes a cricket stadium, multipurpose hall, badminton and boxing halls, athletics field, fitness and rehab center, hotel and restaurant, and seating capacity for 35,000–50,000 spectators. The Chief Minister directed the officers to explore all viable options for this development.

Geo-Based attendance and Inter-Nursery Competitions to be Introduced

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Sports Department to organize inter-nursery, district-level, and state-level competitions among existing sports nurseries. The Chief Minister was apprised that a project has already been prepared to implement geo-based attendance systems for players in the near future. He emphasized the need for effective resolution of athletes’ problems and suggested a system to ensure better coordination between coaches and district sports officers.

Conduct surprise inspections, Ensure all facilities for Women athletes

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is continuously working to promote sports and provide better facilities to sportspersons. He highlighted special provisions made in the recent budget for sports. Stating that sports is an excellent medium to keep youth away from drugs, he said the government is especially focused on sports development.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed that insurance coverage, high-quality infrastructure, all necessary sports equipment, and availability of qualified coaches be ensured. He also stressed the importance of dedicated facilities for women athletes, including separate changing rooms and toilets. He also directed the officers to conduct surprise inspections of stadiums and sports nurseries regularly.

Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk, Director General, Sh. Sanjeev Verma, and Additional Director (Admn.) Sh. Vivek Padam Singh also remained present in the meeting.

HEPB approves Rs. 37.68 Crore incentive for pioneering Medical Oxygen Plant

Chandigarh, April 22

In a major boost to Haryana’s industrial growth, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has approved a special incentive package of Rs. 37.68 crores for M/s Vayu Products Pvt. Ltd for setting up a Haryana’s first Medical Liquid Oxygen Plant in district Jhajjar and a Captive Solar Power Plant in district Ambala.

The approval was granted during the 17th meeting of the Haryana Enterprise Promotion Board (HEPB), which was chaired by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today.

The special incentive package for the project was approved by the HEPB based on the recommendation of the Executive Empowered Committee (EEC), headed by the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Public Health Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa and Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma were also present at the meeting.

During the review of the project, the Chief Minister highlighted that the establishment of the project in the Chemicals & Petrochemicals sector would not only attract significant investment to the state but also generate numerous job opportunities for local youth, thus strengthening the state’s economy.

Of the total investment of Rs. 125.49 crores, Rs. 72.24 crores will be allocated for the Medical Oxygen Plant, while Rs. 48.25 crores will be invested in the Captive Solar Power Plant. This project will mark Haryana’s first Medical Liquid Oxygen Plant, which is expected to create approximately 100 jobs within the state.

The Board also approved a proposal to extend the investment timeline beyond three years for M/s ATL Battery Technology (India) Pvt. Ltd., which is setting up a mega project for manufacturing Lithium-ion cells/batteries at IMT Sohna, District Nuh, Haryana, with a total investment of Rs. 7,083 crore in two phases. Rs. 3,595 crore will be invested in the first phase, and Rs. 3,488 crore will be invested in the second phase, creating local employment opportunities for more than 6,700 people.

Furthermore, the Board approved the transfer and release of a Special Package of Incentives worth Rs 25.58 crore, originally sanctioned for M/s Panasonic India Pvt. Ltd., to M/s Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. following the merger of the two companies. This package supports a mega project at Technopark Village-Bid Dadri, District Jhajjar, where an investment of Rs. 114 crore will be made to manufacture refrigerators. It will provide employment to over 150 persons.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, PSCM Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Sh. Raja Shekhar Vundru, Principal Secretary for Industries and Commerce D. Suresh, and other senior officers were also present at the meeting.