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, Punjab

Gurmeet Khudian Assures Swift Resolution of Veterinary Inspectors’ Demands

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Chandigarh, December 31:–

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian today intervened to address the long-pending demands of the state’s Veterinary Inspectors.

During a meeting with Punjab State Veterinary Inspectors Association’s delegation led by President Gurdeep Singh Bassi here at Punjab Civil Secretariat, S. Khudian held detailed deliberations and assured the association that their legitimate demands would be addressed expeditiously. The association has demanded to consider 18 month service as regular service of 400 Veterinary Inspectors recruited in 2011, create 87 new posts of Veterinary Inspectors at Tehsil level and implementation of the recommendations of 6th pay commission. After S. Khudian’s assurance the association has decided to call off the proposed Lambi rally.

He also directed the Director Animal Husbandry to fast-track the follow-up on the demands. The Minister specifically committed to facilitating an early meeting with Punjab’s Finance Minister, S. Harpal Singh Cheema, to work towards a resolution on the following core issues.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Faridabad Gang Rape Case: Congress State President Rao Narendra Singh Launches Sharp Attack on BJP Government, Calls It a Failure of Law and Order

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Chandigarh, December 31, 2025

The inhuman gang rape of a woman in Faridabad has shaken the entire state of Haryana. Reacting strongly to this heinous crime, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh launched a sharp attack on the BJP government, calling the incident a living example of the complete collapse of law and order under BJP rule.

In his statement, Rao Narendra Singh said,

“Giving a lift, forcing a woman into a car, raping her, roaming around with her for hours and then throwing her on the road—this incident exposes the utter failure of the BJP government. Under BJP rule, criminals are emboldened and women are feeling unsafe.”

Referring to the incident that took place on the Faridabad–Gurugram Road, he said that a married woman aged between 25–28 years was given a lift and made to sit in an Eco van. The accused allegedly gang-raped her inside the moving vehicle for nearly 2–3 hours, assaulted her, and then threw her onto the road while the vehicle was still moving. The victim sustained serious injuries to her head and face, requiring stitches, and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

Rao Narendra Singh said that this incident raises serious questions about women’s safety in the state. He asked,

“When women are not safe, what claims is the government making? The failure of the police administration and the government’s insensitivity have given criminals a free hand.”

Demanding immediate action, Rao Narendra Singh said:

The accused must be arrested immediately and the case should be tried in a fast-track court.

The victim should be provided adequate compensation and complete security.

He further demanded a high-level investigation into the entire incident and strict action against the responsible officials.

Rao Narendra Singh concluded by saying,

“There will be no compromise on the safety of Haryana’s daughters. The BJP government must take moral responsibility for this crime.”

Chandigarh, Haryana

Kumari Selja writes to Gadkari seeking development of Sirsa–Ellenabad–Hanumangarh road as a National Highway

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Sirsa / Chandigarh / December 31

The demand to develop the Sirsa–Ellenabad–Hanumangarh road as a National Highway has once again gained momentum. In this connection, All India Congress Committee General Secretary, former Union Minister, and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has written a letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, seeking a feasibility study and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the route. In her letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Kumari Selja said this road is a very important connectivity route linking the border areas of Haryana and Rajasthan. Granting it National Highway status would significantly benefit agriculture, logistics, trade activities, and industrial development in the region. At present, the narrow road causes serious difficulties in movement, resulting in major hardships for farmers and traders.

MP Kumari Selja said the Sirsa, Ellenabad, and Hanumangarh regions are primarily agriculture-based, with large-scale production of crops such as cotton, wheat, and mustard. Due to inadequate road infrastructure, farmers incur higher costs and delays in transporting their produce to markets. With National Highway development, not only will transportation become smoother, but investment in sectors such as cold storage, warehousing, and food processing will also receive a boost.

Kumari Selja said this route could be linked to the proposed Bikaner–Chandigarh Industrial Corridor and the Bharatmala Project, giving fresh momentum to industrial and border areas of North India. She also emphasized that the route is strategically important, as it connects areas close to the international border. The MP urged the Union Minister to initiate a feasibility study and DPR at the earliest in the public interest so that the road can be developed as a National Highway. People of the region have welcomed Kumari Selja’s initiative and expressed hope that the demand will be fulfilled soon, giving a new direction to regional development.

:-The Vacant posts for reserved categories are against the spirit of the Constitution:-Kumari Selja

Expressing deep concern over the teacher recruitment crisis, Kumari Selja said the current selection process of the Haryana Public Service Commission is weakening the state’s education system. Due to the mandatory requirement of 35 percent qualifying marks, thousands of eligible candidates—many of whom hold PhDs, NET qualifications, and years of experience are being excluded from selection. This is causing the greatest harm to educationally backward regions like Sirsa, which already suffer from a severe shortage of teachers. Kumari Selja said the vacant posts meant for reserved categories go against the spirit of the Constitution. If the government truly wants to reform education, it must immediately abolish impractical policies such as “Not Found Suitable.” Filling all posts, providing opportunities to qualified candidates, and strengthening the education system is the government’s responsibility. She warned that if a decision is not taken soon, the Congress party will raise this issue forcefully from the streets to the legislature.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Minister Anil Vij hits back at Surjewala: “We don’t hide scams; we expose them. It’s possible this scam is from their time

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Chandigarh, December 31 — Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij strongly responded to allegations of a scam against the government made by Congress leader Randeep Surjewala in the workslip scam case in the Labour Department. He said that “Sh. Surjewala, unlike you, we do not hide scams. If a scam has occurred, it has been exposed. I have written to the Chief Minister for a high-level investigation, and the Chief Minister has also ordered that the investigation be completed immediately in the remaining nine districts so that a decision can be taken in this matter.”

He also said that as elections approach in Bengal, Mamata Banerjee suddenly remembers the entire Mahabharata; once the elections are over, it’s back to ‘Allahu Akbar.’

While speaking to media persons, Labour Minister Anil Vij took a dig at Surjewala, saying that it is possible that this case dates back to their (Congress’s) time. It is not yet clear since when this irregularity has been occurring, nor during whose tenure it happened.

*“As soon as elections approach, Mamata remembers the Mahabharata; once they’re over, it’s back to ‘Allahu Akbar’”: Anil Vij’s sharp jibe at Mamata*

Reacting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks—made after Union Minister Amit Shah’s entry into West Bengal—that Dushasana came to Bengal at Shakuni’s behest, Energy Minister Anil Vij said in his characteristic style, “Elections have approach in Bengal, so Mamata Banerjee remembers the entire Mahabharata. Once the elections are over, it’s back to ‘Allahu Akbar.’”

*Our BJP government in Haryana is a government that delivers: Vij*

Responding to a question about new roadmaps for his departments with a view to 2026, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that something new happens here every day; the government does something new every day. This is why, for the third time, the aware people of Haryana have formed a BJP government. This has happened for the first time because this is a government that works.

*Anil Vij’s counter to Deepender Hooda on the Aravalli issue: “Is Hooda accusing the Supreme Court?”*

Responding to MP Deepender Hooda’s allegation that the entire Aravalli issue is being played out for donations amounting to Rs.10,500 crore, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Deepender Hooda is making baseless and unfounded statements. What happened in the Aravalli matter was done by the Supreme Court, and the stay on its decision was also imposed by the Supreme Court. This means he is accusing the Supreme Court. If he is saying that such a decision was taken for that amount of money, then is he accusing the Supreme Court?

Haryana

साहिबजादों की शहादत को समर्पित चौथा विशाल रक्तदान कैंप का आयोजन

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टोहाना: साहिबजादों की शहादत को समर्पित चौथा विशाल रक्तदान कैंप का आयोजन साहिबजादा ज़ोरावर सिंह साहिबजादा फतेह सिंह सेवा सोसाइटी टोहाना के तत्वाधान में गांव सनियाना में किया गया। इस रक्तदान कैंप में रक्तदाताओं द्वारा 115 यूनिट रक्तदान करके टोहाना शहर में एक रिकॉर्ड बनाया। सोसाइटी के मीडिया प्रभारी विनोद कुमार कैरों ने बताया कि यह रक्तदान साहिबजादों की शहादत को समर्पित रहता है। रक्तदान कैंप के साथ साथ इस अवसर पर सिख इतिहास पर कविता गायन, भाषण और प्रश्नोत्तरी प्रतियोगिता का भी आयोजन किया गया। इस कार्यक्रम में अकाल अकैडमी सनियाना, टैगोर पब्लिक स्कूल, शहीद सरदार मेहर सिंह कन्या वरिष्ठ माध्यमिक विद्यालय, दशमेश अकैडमी गुल्लरवाला और राजकीय हाई स्कूल सनियाना के बच्चों ने भाग लिया। प्रतियोगिता में प्रथम, द्वितीय और तृतीय स्थान पर रहे बच्चों को नकद प्रोत्साहन राशि देकर सम्मानित किया। सभी विद्यालयों के प्रधानाचार्यों को भी स्मृति चिह्न देकर सम्मानित किया गया। इस अवसर पर सरदार कुलविंदर सिंह बल, विनोद नायक, राज सिंह गिल, राजेश दहिया, मौसम कैरों, बलजीत कंबोज, करणदीप सिंह सरा, वंदना कंबोज योग शिक्षक बीर सिंह और समस्त ग्रामवासी उपस्थित रहे।

Chandigarh, Haryana

‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 299, PUNJAB POLICE NABS 115 DRUG SMUGGLERS

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CHANDIGARH, December 25:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 299th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 285 locations on Thursday leading to the arrest of 115 drug smugglers after registration of 87 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 41,775 in 299 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 268 grams heroin, 1860 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 6700 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          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.

          Over 100 Police teams, comprising over 800 police personnel, under the supervision of 61 gazetted officers have conducted 285 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 276 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          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 30 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, Punjab

YEAR ENDER 2025: PUNJAB POLICE MAINTAINS PEACE AND HARMONY IN STATE, SOLVES ALL REPORTED TERROR INCIDENTS

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CHANDIGARH, December 23:

          Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has successfully maintained peace and harmony across the state in 2025, while achieving unprecedented breakthroughs in terror front, crime control and anti-drugs campaign— Yudh Nashiyan Virudh.

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, in his Year Ender video, said that by proactive action against ISI-sponsored terror modules, all attempts to disturb peace in the state have been foiled with the solving of 12 terror incidents and arrest of 50 module members. These included hand grenades attacks at various places and one RPG attack on a Police Station, he said, while adding that other than these incidents, Punjab Police busted additional seven modules.

          Divulging details on action against terrorists, he said that the Internal Security Wing has busted a total of 19 modules with the arrest of 131 persons this year and recovered nine rifles, 188 revolvers/pistols, 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 11.62 kg RDX, 54 hand grenades, 32 detonators, four rocket propelled grenades, one sleeve of disposed rocket launcher, two timer switches, three walkie-talkie sets and eight remote controlled devices from their possession.

*YUDH NASHIYAN VIRUDH*

          Highlighting the state’s relentless fight against drugs under the “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign launched on March 1, 2025, DGP Gaurav Yadav informed that Punjab Police registered 29,784 FIRs and made 39,867 arrests resulting in recovery of highest ever 2,021 kg of heroin in one year. Apart from recovering big haul of heroin, police have also 26 kg ICE, 698 kg opium, 35,000 kg poppy husk, 55.78 lakh intoxicant pills/capsules and Rs 16.81 Crores drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, he said.

          He highlighted that Punjab Police has conducted investigations in a scientific and professional manner to achieve a conviction rate of 88 percent, which is amongst the highest in the country. In the current year 5,901 cases out of 6,728 decided cases have been convicted, he said.

          The DGP said that the “Safe Punjab” helpline emerged as a game-changer, registering 10,889 FIRs based on 28,952 tips, with a 38% conversion rate. Property worth ₹263 crores belonging to 548 smugglers was frozen under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, he said.

          In the current year, heroin seizures in Punjab are nearly 2/3rd of the total heroin seizures in the country, he said, while highlighting the Punjab’s share in national NDPS arrests stood at 25%, with nearly 20% of all NDPS cases registered in the state.

          As part of the prevention, the police also facilitated the admission of 23,940 individuals to de-addiction centers and referred 59,840 persons to OOAT clinics, underscoring the focus on rehabilitation.

*ACTION AGAINST GANGSTERS*

          Recounting the achievements of Punjab Police against the gangsters front in 2025, the DGP said that the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) along with field units has succeeded in busting 416 gangsters/criminals modules after arresting 992 gangsters/criminals, and recovered 620 weapons and 252 vehicles used in criminal activities from their possession.

          He informed that the AGTF has further upgraded its technical capabilities with Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS 2.0) now supporting voice analysis, besides other state-of-art features.

          The DGP said that there has been a sustained focus on issuing of Red Notices, Blue Notices, and in coordination with CBI and central agencies for extradition and deportation of foreign-based criminals, which resulted in issuance of 11 Red Notices and 2 Blue Notices this year. Anmol Bishnoi was geo-located by the Punjab Police which shared information with the Central Agencies resulting in his deportation, he said, while adding that Parminder Singh alias Pindi involved in terror activities has been deported in 2025 and two other criminals who were country-hopping (Sukhdev Kumar alias Manish Bedi and Sajan Masih alias Goru) were tracked across countries and arrested in Mumbai.

*OVERALL REDUCTION IN CRIME*

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that in year 2025, substantial reductions were recorded across major crime heads in comparison to corresponding figures of year 2024, with murders decreased by 8.7% (745 to 680), kidnappings and abductions by 10.6% (1770 to 1583), snatching by 19.6% (2321 to 1866), and thefts by 34.3% (6714 to 4410). There has been increase in cases under the Local and Special Laws like the Excise Act, Arms Act and NDPS Act, indicating strong push against crime and better detection.

*LAW AND ORDER*

          The DGP said that the law and order situation remained stable and well under control throughout the year, with elaborate security arrangements were ensured for Sri Amarnath Ji and Manimahesh Yatras, the 350th Martyrdom Commemoration of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji at Anandpur Sahib, six IPL and two ODI matches. State wide Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Elections were held peacefully, as also the Tarn Taran and Ludhiana Bye-Elections, he said.

          He said that 174 CASO Operations/Special Operations/Checkings were conducted across all districts and Commissionerates against NDPS offenders, criminals and other anti-social elements. Punjab Police has also played a pivotal role in flood rescue operations. In this season, 5,119 stubble burning incidents have been reported in 2025, which are 50% less than from the previous year, he added.

          He informed that Rs 25 crore have been allocated (FY 2025-26) for upgradation of Dial 112- ERSS. As many as 46.14 lakh calls have been handled till date, with drastic reduction of average response time from 25 minutes to less than 11 minutes, he added.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Anti-Drone Systems have been deployed at Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Amritsar Rural districts. A total of 2,367 CCTV Cameras are also being installed at 585 identified locations on the Second Line of Defence at the International Border at a cost of Rs 49.58 Crores to act as a force multiplier to combat the influx of drugs, arms and explosives from across the International Border, he said, while adding that 896 personnel, SOG Hit, Ghatak, SSG and ARP teams have been deployed in border districts.

*CYBER CRIME*

          In cyber crime, the DGP said that Punjab secured a lien amount in cyber fraud cases to ₹79.96 crores (out of defrauded amount of Rs. 418.29 cr)— reflecting a lien marking percentage of over 19% which is currently the 4th highest in the country. The DITAC lab of State Cyber Crime Wing won the 2025 Excellence Award in Digital Evidence Summit 2025 in New Delhi, he said, while adding that 18 inter-state cyber crime gangs involved in multi-crores cyber fraudulent activities were busted in the current year and 300 mule accounts used for crypto frauds were neutralised.

*ROAD SAFETY*

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following the launch of Sadak Surakhiya Force, Punjab recorded a decline in road accident fatalities from 4,829 in 2023 to 4,759 in 2024, and a decline in road accidents from 6,269 to 6,063 in 2024, thus coming amongst nine States/UTs to achieve reduction in both the metrics. City Surveillance and Traffic Management System was launched in SAS Nagar in 2025 at a cost of Rs. 22.21 crores. There has been a significant increase in over speeding challans by 500% and drunk-driving challans by 430% in the current year, reflecting stricter enforcement.

          Punjab also emerged as a leader in implementing new criminal laws and tech-driven policing, ranking first in launching the Nyaya Setu Application and leading in CCTNS performance. Over 20,000 personnel were trained in new criminal laws, and more than 55,000 in CCTNS.

          Meanwhile, Police welfare remained a priority, with ₹11.25 crores allocated for infrastructure and ₹10.62 crores disbursed as loans to 741 personnel.

—

BOXES:

1. ACTION AGAINST TERRORISTS

· Modules busted: 19

· Arrests: 131

· Rifles: 9

· Revolvers/Pistols: 188

· IEDs: 12

· RDX: 11.62 kg

· Hand grenades: 54

· Detonators: 32

· Rocket Propelled Grenades: 4

2. ACTION AGAINST DRUGS

· FIRs Registered: 29,784

· Arrests: 39,867

· Heroin Seized: 2,021 kg

· NDPS Conviction Rate: 88%

· Property Frozen: ₹263 crores (548 smugglers)

3. ACTION AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME

· Modules Busted: 416

· Gangsters Arrested: 992

· Weapons Recovered: 620

· Vehicles Recovered: 252

· Red Notices Issued: 11

· Blue Notices Issued: 2

Chandigarh, Haryana, Haryana

Three-day National Sanshinkan Karate Seminar held in Gurgaon

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Gurugram:

A three-day National Sanshinkan Karate Seminar was successfully conducted in Gurgaon from December 12 to 14.

The seminar was organized under the banner of Sanshinkan and hosted at Pragyanam School, Sector 65, Gurgaon, bringing together karate practitioners, instructors, and enthusiasts from across India as well as from overseas.

The seminar was hosted by Sensei Yashpal Singh Kalsi, Head of Sanshinkan India, and was led by Soke Tamas Weber, Founder of Sanshinkan. Soke Tamas Weber travelled all the way from Sweden along with his team to promote karate in India, which added great significance and value to the event.

Giving the seminar a strong international presence, a team from Israel, led by Sensei Bhajat Fatfout and Sensei Joseph, also participated actively. During the seminar, Sensei Bhajat Fatfout conducted special sessions on self-defence and demonstrated effective techniques and movements from Israeli Krav Maga, which were highly appreciated by the participants.

Over the course of three intensive days, more than 100 participants from different parts of India trained under expert guidance. The training covered kihon, kata applications, kumite concepts, self-defence techniques, and advanced Sanshinkan methodologies, with equal emphasis on discipline, mindset, precision, and the philosophy of Karate-Do.

In the final phase of the seminar, many participants appeared for Sanshinkan belt tests. Sanshinkan congratulates all students who successfully cleared their grading examinations and wishes them continued growth and success in their martial arts journey.

Chandigarh, Punjab

‘Punjab to become most startup friendly state in North India’: Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora

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Chandigarh, December 13, 2025: TiE Chandigarh organised the Startup & Innovation Conclave 2025, an Insightful evening with founders, industry leaders, and innovators.

The conclave was powered by AU Small Finance Bank and supported by Startup Punjab. Puneet Verma, TiE Chandigarh President while speaking on the occasion spoke about the various activities and achievements of TiE Chandigarh Chapter.

He added, “It is to be noted that prize money, which is being distributed to 24 statup teams of TiEU and TiE women Chandigarh, is being funded by US based Mr. Ranbir Singh, through his charitable trust. TiE Chandigarh and the entire tie ecosystem is very thankful for this generous support.”

The Chief Guest on the occasion was Sanjeev Arora, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Guest of Honour was Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh.

Sanjeev Arora, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Guest of Honour, while speaking on the occasion congratulated the TiE Chandigarh President, Puneet Verma and his team for hosting this event. “I acknowledge TiE leadership for its efforts and appreciate TiE for nurturing entrepreneurship, innovation and global market linkages. Startups are the key drivers of job creation, innovation and productivity, economic transformation.”

“We as the Punjab government are doing our best as far as startups are concerned. We are doing a lot to encourage the industries, and bring in investment. Our goal is to become the most startup friendly state in North India. We are going to have fast decisions, transparent policies and strong ecosystem support for startups”, the minister said.

He added, young and skilled talent is available in abundance. Strong MSME ad manufacturing base is available. Agriculture and Food Processing leadership is there and startups can do wonders in these two sectors.

The minister said we have a strategic location and connectivity, and a powerful NRI and diaspora network which can help startups. “Recently we had gone to Japan and Korea and I request TiE members to visit South Korea’s “Silicon Valley”, primarily Pangyo Techno Valley (PTV), a major tech hub near Seoul hosting giants, adding that the Punjab government plans the same ecosystem in Mohali and will tie-up with TiE so that we can together grow and have the more startups in the state which create more jobs and compete on a global stage”, he concluded.

Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, while addressing the gathering congratulated the winners of women and TiE university programmes, adding that this region holds a global potential. She stressed on partnership between the UK and startups of this region. “Together we can build a stronger bridge of innovation, entrepreneurship and prosperity”, she said, thanking TiE Chandigarh for inviting her. She said this chapter of TiE has become one of the most dynamic hubs bringing together founders, industry leaders, and innovators to shape a resilient ecosystem.

Alba said as a new British Deputy High Commissioner, she valued the strong partnership between the UK and TiE Chandigarh, which shows Entrepreneurship thrives when the ecosystem collaborates. She added that startups from the Punjab region have expanded to the UK.

A Panel Discussion on “Academia–Industry Collaboration for Innovation” included experts like Mr. Harit Mohan, Founder & CEO, Signicent Information Solutions LLP; Co-Lead, TiE U Global; Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar; Ms. Ritu Kochhar, Founder, Inter National Institute of Fashion Design; and Dr. Urmi Mehta, CEO, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology. It was moderated by Shibananda Dash, CEO, Ludhiana Angels Network.

Chandigarh, Punjab

RTI Commission expresses displeasure over the conduct of a PCS officer

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Chandigarh, December 9:

The Punjab State Information Commission has expressed displeasure over the conduct of a PCS officer from the state.

Sharing details, a spokesperson of the Commission said that in case number 5555/2023, which was listed for hearing before State Information Commissioner Mrs. Pooja Gupta, the Regional Transport Officer Amritsar was summoned multiple times but did not appear before the Commission even once.

The spokesperson stated that despite the issuance of bailable warrants against this officer, he still failed to appear before the Commission.

The spokesperson further informed that due to non-compliance with the orders of the Commission, State Information Commissioner Mrs. Pooja Gupta has directed that the penalty previously imposed on the then officer (under whose tenure the RTI application was filed) be increased from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000.

In addition, the Commission has expressed displeasure over the current Regional Transport Officer, Khushdil Singh Sandhu, PCS, for his irresponsible behavior and failure to comply with the orders issued by the Punjab State Information Commission. The Commission has informed the Principal Secretary, Transport, about the non-compliance and the casual attitude of the RTI Wing of the Transport Department toward the Commission’s directions.