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.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Agriculture Minister conducts surprise inspection in mandis, interacts with farmers

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Chandigarh, April 26 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana on Saturday conducted a surprise inspection of major grain markets of Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Jind districts and took stock of the ground reality of wheat procurement operations. On reaching the mandis, farmers and commission agents warmly welcomed the Agriculture Minister and put forth their suggestions and problems before him.

During the inspection, the Agriculture Minister himself checked the weighing machines and thoroughly inspected the crop procurement system. He gave strict instructions to the mandi officials and commission agents that any kind of negligence or carelessness in the wheat procurement process will not be tolerated. He also inspected the stock records in the mandis and took detailed information from the concerned officials.

He said Haryana is an agriculture-based state and the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini is fully committed to the welfare of farmers. He said our target is to buy every grain of the hard work of the farmers at the minimum support price. He informed that so far, 61.81 lakh metric tonnes of wheat has been procured in the state through various procurement agencies and the government has a target of procuring 75 lakh metric tonnes of wheat.

The Agriculture Minister also clarified that complaints of irregularities in weighing machines were received from some mandis, on which strict cognizance has been taken immediately. Action has also been taken against the guilty officers and commission agents. He said, “I am visiting the mandis and taking stock of the procurement operations so that the farmers do not face any kind of inconvenience.”

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that he himself belongs to a farmer family and understands the problems of the farmers very well. He instructed the officials to speed up the lifting of wheat in the mandis so that the farmers are not forced to keep their crop in the mandi for a long time. He also gave instructions to ensure drinking water, toilets, sanitation, electricity and other necessary facilities on the mandi premises.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

WITH AN AIM TO NURTURE SPORTS TALENT AT SCHOOL LEVEL, GOVT WILL SOON RECRUIT 2000 PTI TEACHERS: HARJOT BAINS

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Chandigarh, April 26:

In a significant push to further strengthen the state’s education system and nurture sports talent at school level amidst the ongoing “Sikhya Kranti” program, Punjab Government will recruit 2000 Physical Training Instructor (PTI) teachers for primary schools across the state, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

He said that the requisition has been forwarded to the Recruitment Board of the School Education department to fill these posts, emphasising that recruitment process will be merit-based and in transparent manner.

Highlighting the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s efforts, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the government has already filled over 13000 school teachers vacancies in the past three years, including 4006 Master Cadre teachers and 7351 ETT teachers. The government has also prioritised promotions across various cadres, including 2600 Master Cadre teachers promoted as Lecturers, 425 ETT teachers promoted as Master Cadre teachers, 350 PTIs promoted as DPEs, 57 Principals promoted as DEOs, 75 non-teaching staff promoted as Master Cadre teachers, and 450 Master Cadre teachers promoted as Headmasters.         

The recruitment of PTI teachers would supplement the Punjab Government’s drive to establish playgrounds in all schools, ensuring students have access to proper sports infrastructure. These PTI teachers will play a pivotal role in training students, promoting physical fitness, and channelizing their energy into constructive activities, fostering discipline, teamwork, and overall well-being of the students, the Education Minister added.

He further said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been pulling all stops to ensure a robust and accessible education system that empowers students to reach their full potential and nurture academic excellence to transform Punjab’s educational landscape.

The School Education Secretary Ms. Anindita Mitra informed that the details regarding application process and eligibility criteria would be available on the official website educationrecruitmentboard.com within seven days.

Divulging the qualification details for the PTI teachers, she said that an  applicant must have passed 10th class with Punjabi and he/she should have passed 10+2 with at least two years diploma or certificate in Physical Education as Diploma in Physical Education or certificate in Physical Education (D.P.Ed/C.P.Ed) or have done this course with any other nomenclature. The eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on their qualifications and performance in a written exam and physical fitness test.

Chandigarh, Haryana

CM Saini directs Police officers to ensure safety & security of Kashmiri students

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Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday directed to the Police officers that adequate measures be taken to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiri students studying in various colleges and universities across the state. Currently, 1,157 such students are pursuing their education in different educational institutions in Haryana. He instructed the district administration to maintain close contact with educational institutions to address any concerns and provide students with a sense of safety and reassurance.

Presiding over a high level meeting in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack at Haryana Civil Secretariat here in Chandigarh, he condemned the gruesome Pahalgam attack, in which several innocent lives were lost, and stated that such acts could not be tolerated.

In line with the directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, he announced that April 27, 2025, is the deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave Haryana. However, this deadline will be extended to April 29 for those holding medical visas. These timelines will not be applicable on Pakistani nationals holding long-term, diplomatic, or official visas.

He directed the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to ensure that the above directions are implemented in letter and spirit.  He also reviewed the law and order situation in the state and made it clear that anyone who attempts to disrupt peace in the state will be dealt with firmly.

Chandigarh, Punjab

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

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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.

Chandigarh, Punjab

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

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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.

Chandigarh, Punjab

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

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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.

Chandigarh, Punjab

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

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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.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh

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

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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.

Chandigarh, Haryana

SARTHAK – A Monitoring and Evaluation Initiative by NHM Haryana

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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.

Chandigarh, Haryana

State-Level Panchayati Raj Event on April 24 in Panchkula

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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.