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

NEWLY APPOINTED YOUTH THANKS CM FOR ILLUMINATING THEIR LIVES

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Chandigarh, February 19:

The newly appointed youth of the state who were given a job letter by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday profusely thanked the state government for illuminating their lives by giving them jobs purely on merit.

Sharing his views Sukhpreet Singh thanked the Chief Minister by asserting that he and his wife Harpreet kaur had returned from abroad to join as Assistant Professor. He said that now there is no need to go abroad but work hard as the state government led by the Chief Minister is offering a number of opportunities to them.

Similarly, Dr Alka Kalyan said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that they have got the job purely on merit. She said that 1158 assistant professors had received fulsome support from the state government. She said that after 30 years the colleges of the state have got professors and the selection has been made completely on merit. She profusely thanked the Chief Minister and said that they will realize the mission of Rangla Punjab of CM .

In the same manner, Fatehjeet Singh said that he has been selected as JE in Rural Development department for which he profusely thanked the Chief Minister. He said that he was slated to go abroad but got a job by the department after which he shunned the idea.

Likewise, Kuljinder Dhiman, who has also been selected as JE, said that she is indebted to the Chief Minister for providing the opportunity. She said that the state government has given her an opportunity to become an active partner in the progress of the state.

Chandigarh, Punjab

MAJOR ACTION AGAINST CORRUPTION: 52 POLICE OFFICIALS DISMISSED ACROSS VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN PUNJAB AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

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CHANDIGARH, February 19:

          In consonance with the instructions issued by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government emphasising transperancy, accountability and integrity in public service delivery, Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (CPs/SSPs) in all districts have dismissed 52 police officials for their involvement in corrupt practices, malpractices, criminal activities or prolonged absenteeism, informed Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The dismissed Police officials includes one Inspector, five Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), four head-constables (HCs) and 42 constables across various districts.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav, who was addressing a press conference at Punjab Police Headquarters here, said that CPs/SSPs in their respective districts and commissionerates are undertaking the excercise to identify instances where police officers have been wanted in FIRs, facing serious allegations or indulged in corrupt practices. Officers concerned have been thoroughly examining the evidence and following due procedure in each case to initiate action, he said.

          He said that recently, a Station House Officer (SHO) Sadiq and two constables in Faridkot district were arrested after they found involved in extortion of money.

          Reaffirming the commitment of Punjab Police on ‘Zero Tolerance Against Corruption’, the DGP said that any elements found indulging corruption will be taken with iron hand. “Black sheep in the Punjab Police are not going to be tolerated. Strict action as per law will be taken,” he reiterated.

PUNJAB POLICE TO INTRODUCE E-FIR FACILITY

          Sharing details on upcoming projects in the Punjab Police, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police is all set to introduce e-FIR facility for motor vehicle theft, which will allow public to lodge an FIR using online platform or visiting SAANJH Kendras.

          For this purpose, an e-Police Station is also being established at a state level, said the DGP, while adding, “We will also request Hon’ble High Court through the state government to get the E-Courts notified in each district.”

          He said that the e-FIR project is aimed at reducing direct interface of public with the police and delivering citizen friendly services with the use of technology. Punjab Police has been offering as many as 43 police services online under the SAANJH project, he added.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav further said that Punjab Police in collaboration with the Indian Police Foundation has launched a project on Internal Police Reforms making Punjab the first state to launch such project. The project, which was initially launched in SAS Nagar and Rupnagar, is now being expanded to two more districts including Fatehgarh Sahib and Khanna.

          He said that this groundbreaking initiative focuses on improving complaint/FIR registration, improving police response, behaviour and conduct ,minimising harassment, citizen services, community engagement, he added.

BOX: DISTRICT-WISE DATA OF OFFICIALS DISMISSED

CP Amritsar: 2

CP Jalandhar: 2

CP Ludhiana: 4

Batala: 2

Bathinda: 2

Fatehgarh Sahib: 1

Fazilka: 2

Faridkot: 3

Ferozepur: 1

Gurdaspur: 1

Hoshiarpur: 4

Jalandhar Rural: 2

Kapurthala: 4

Khanna: 1

Ludhiana Rural: 3

Mansa: 1

Malerkotla: 1

Pathankot: 1

Patiala: 5

Rupnagar: 1

Sri Muktsar Sahib: 2

Sangrur: 2

SAS Nagar: 2

SBS Nagar: 1

Tarn Taran: 2

Chandigarh, Punjab

Two little tiger Cubs ‘Abhay’ & ‘Aryan’ become part of Chhatbir Zoo

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Chandigarh, February 19:

Carrying forward the policy aimed at proper upkeep of the wildlife in the State with renewed vigour, the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today released two Little tiger cubs from the Intensive Care  into the ‘Kraal’ (Semi Open Enclosure) at the Chhatbir Zoo. It is noteworthy that the mating of white tigress Gauri and Yellow tiger Arjun resulted in the birth of Abhay and Aryan at Diwali night 12 PM on October 31st, 2024. These two tiger cubs are healthy and would be released in the enclosure for viewing by common people after one more vaccine dose.

The Minister also inaugurated various projects on the occasion. These comprise the new building of the veterinary hospital after the old one,  office of the Senior Veterinary Officer as well as the Veterinary Officer, Room of the veterinary staff, Laboratory – 1 and Laboratory – 2, Dispensary, Research Room, Pantry and two washrooms.

Apart from this, the service circulation path for use by the staff, feed fodder vehicle were also inaugurated. This would lead to the uninterrupted supply of feed as well as the fodder to the enclosures housing animals. Besides, the 800 Metre long and 4 Metre wide visitor path has also been constructed outside the animal enclosures for the facilitation of public. Not only this but two night shelters for the night duty  watchmen and a logo of the Punjab Zoos Development Society (PZDS) were also unveiled.

The Minister also inspected the ongoing works pertaining to the parking stand for wildlife safari buses, visitor shelter near lion safari canteen, crocodile enclosure, parking stand for battery operated vehicle and feeding platform for angulets in deer safari.

The Chhatbir Zoo undertakes multitude of activities from time to time which are aimed at ensuring empathy towards the wild animals apart from awareness generation. Such initiatives include blood donation camps, Run for Wild race and Zoo education program. Through these programs, children, youth and other sections of the society are sensitized in the direction of developing an attitude of love and care towards the wild animals.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, Field Director of the Chhatbir Zoo Neeraj Kumar and Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sagar Setia.

Chandigarh, Punjab

CM SLAMS SUKHBIR AND JAKHAR FOR ENJOYING FEASTS WHILE FOOD GROWERS ARE UNDERGOING FAST

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Chandigarh, February 19:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday slammed the traditional political leaders especially Sukhbir Badal and Sunil Jakhar for posing while enjoying weddings, receptions and feasts whereas food growers of the state are undergoing fast to get their demands met.

The Chief Minister said that this clearly reflects the insensitivity and insincerity of this ‘elite’ political class that has ruled the state for decades. He said that these political leaders have always hobnobbed with each other to secure their interests while ignoring the matters of the state and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders spit venom against each other from their respective stages but embrace each other in such private functions which expose their dubious face.

The Chief Minister quipped that these leaders will justify their move by saying that this is their social obligation but they forget that due to their venomous speeches the social fabric of the state is disturbed adding that these leaders divide the people for their vested political interests but shamefully are hand in glove with each other. He said that these political leaders befool the people as in villages of state people fight with each other on the name of political parties but these leaders attend the marriages and functions of each other and embrace them which is surprising. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such people should be taught a lesson and people should always elect the government of the common man.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family. He said that these leaders who believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. Bhagwant Singh Mann  said that these leaders have befooled the people for a long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.

The Chief Minister said that people of state have ousted the political parties that used to play musical chairs of power to loot them after every five years. He said that his government has been given a chance by people to serve them and they will work hard to fulfill their expectations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the opposition leaders start their day by slamming him just because they are envious of the pro-people decision taken by his government.

Taking a jibe at the Akali leaders, the Chief Minister said that despite their lip service, these leaders failed to deliver anything tangible to the people. He said that due to such misdeeds only the Akali leaders are now facing public wrath adding that in a democracy the power of a common man is supreme. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who claimed that they will rule for 25 years have been sent to political oblivion by the people.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Three senior I.A.S officers of State Government deputed as General Observers in Municipal Elections to be held on 2 March 2025, Says Raj Kamal Chaudhuri

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Chandigarh 19 February 2025

          The State Election Commission Punjab informed  that the total 61 nominations have been received for the election of Municipal Council Tarn Taran (District Tarn Taran), two nominations have been received for Municipal Council Talwara(District Hoshiarpur) and  no nomination has been received for Municipal Council Dera  Baba Nanak(District Gurdaspur) till 19.02.2025. The last date of filing nominations is 20.02.2025.

          State Election Commissioner, Punjab Raj Kamal Chaudhuri said that three senior I.A.S officers of State Government have been deputed as General Observers in these Municipal Elections. Baldeep Kaur I.A.S has been deputed as general observer for the Election of Municipal Council, Tarn Taran(District Tarn Taran), Senu Duggal I.A.S has been deputed as general observer for the Election of Municipal Council Dera Baba Nanak(District Gurdaspur) and Arvind Pal Singh Sandhu I.A.S has been deputed as general observer for the Election of Municipal Council Talwara (District Hoshiarpur).

          These Observers will reach their allotted districts on the last date of nominations and review all arrangements with regard to forthcoming Municipal Elections.

Chandigarh, Punjab

US DEPORTATION OF INDIANS: PUNJAB POLICE’S SIT CONTINUES CRACKDOWN; FIVE NEW FIRs REGISTERED, TWO MORE TRAVEL AGENTS HELD

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CHANDIGARH, February 19:

          Continuing its crackdown on fraudulent immigration consultants exploiting innocent individuals, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Punjab Police, headed by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha has registered five new first information reports (FIRs) against travel agents and arrested two more fraudulent travel agents.

          With this development, the total number of FIRs reached to 15, while, arrest count has reached to three. The FIRs were filed against agents who allegedly deceived victims with false promises of facilitating illegal entry into the United States, resulting in their deportation.

          The latest FIRs were registered in districts including Tarn Taran, SAS Nagar, Moga, and Sangrur, on February 17 and 18, 2025. The accused agents, operating through unauthorised networks, have been found charging hefty amounts from victims by promising safe and legal immigration routes, but instead have been exposing them to inhumane conditions, detention, and eventual deportation.

          The details of FIRs include FIR no. 25 dated 17.02.2025 registered at Police Station Patti in Tarn Taran against an agent, operating from Chandigarh and Yamuna Nagar, fraudulently took ₹44 lakhs from a victim under the pretence of legal immigration to the USA but instead routed him through Nicaragua and Mexico; and FIR no. 19 dated 17.2.2025 registered at Police Station Majri in SAS Nagar against agents Mukul and Gurjinder Antaal, who misled a victim, took ₹45 lakhs, and sent him via Colombia and Mexico.

          Similarly, FIR no. 30 dated 18/2/2025 registered at Police Station Dharamkot in Moga accused identified as Sukhwinder Singh, Talwinder Singh, Pritam Kaur and Gurpreet Singh, including members of Ekam Travels Chandigarh, who lured a victim with a false work permit and direct USA flight, for an amount of 45 lakh rupees. Instead, they sent him via Prague, Spain, and El Salvador.

          Remaining two FIRs includes FIR no. 15 dated 18/2/2025 registered at Police Station Khanauri in Sangrur against visa and travel company operated by Angrej Singh and Jagjit Singh from Haryana, who duped a victim of 50 lakh rupees, by promising a Canada visa but instead sent him through Egypt, Dubai, Spain, Guatemala, and Nicaragua and FIR no. 95 dated 18/2/2025 registered at Police Station Goindwal Sahib against agent Goldy, operating near IGI Airport, Delhi, deceived a victim into paying ₹45 lakhs for a legal entry into the USA.

          As mentioned above, two travel agents identified as Angrej Singh and Jagjit Singh have been arrested by the Sangrur Police. This is in addition to the arrest made by Police Station NRI Patiala a few days ago.

          Pertinently, the SIT is actively coordinating with cybercrime units, financial authorities, and central agencies to resolve the identities of the entire network of human traffickers. District Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) have intensified investigations, leading to multiple arrests and freezing of bank accounts linked to human trafficking networks.

          DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav reiterated that the Punjab Police is fully committed to dismantling these fraudulent immigration syndicates. He urged victims to come forward without fear and assured them of strict legal action against culprits. The public is advised to only consult licensed immigration consultants and verify their credentials before engaging in any overseas travel arrangements. 

          The Punjab Police continues to seek cooperation from citizens in identifying and reporting unlicensed travel agents who are exploiting vulnerable individuals.

Punjab

DR BALBIR SINGH BRAINSTORMS WITH EXPERTS TO FORMULATE MENTAL HEALTH POLICY

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Chandigarh, February 19:

 To combat the menace of drug addiction in the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, on Wednesday, brainstormed with experts to formulate a comprehensive Mental Health Policy in the state.

 Chairing the experts’ meeting on “Punjab’s Journey to Wellness: With Psychological Well-Being”, Dr Balbir Singh highlighted the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s commitment to tackling the drug abuse with a comprehensive approach that focuses on mental health and wellness. By gathering experts, the initiative aims to create effective strategies to enhance psychological well-being and ultimately eliminate the menace of addiction in the state.

Addressing the plenary session of the meeting, Dr Balbir Singh stated that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is prioritising the formulation of a multi-pronged and multi-disciplinary approach to effectively tackle the menace of drug abuse.

Dr Balbir Singh emphasised that the psychological well-being of every individual in society is essential for achieving the goal of drug de-addiction. He highlighted that all sections of society, including school children, farmers, recent deportees, and labourers, will receive counselling focused on psychological well-being to prevent any future tendencies toward drug abuse.

While appreciating the efforts of the Punjab Police in controlling the supply of drugs, Dr Balbir Singh urged for the more frequent utilisation of rehabilitation provisions (under section 64-A) for drug users arrested by the police. This approach aims to facilitate their reintegration into society.

Dr Balbir Singh vowed to engage with religious organisations, stating, “the government plans to open 4-5 new rehabilitation centres in cooperation with these organisations. Additionally, ‘Community Support Groups’ will be established to provide better counselling for the youth and their families,” he added.

The Health Minister also emphasised the importance of reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse, stating that drug users should be approached with sympathy and that they need society’s support to overcome their challenges. He insisted that the new policy introduced by the Punjab government to control drug abuse will undoubtedly position Punjab as a torchbearer state in the fight against this issue.

Empowerment of drug users through skill development is a key focus of the government. The Minister directed that every drug user should be rehabilitated in the centres by equipping them with skills and connecting them to employment opportunities through various employment generation schemes. This approach aims to provide sustainable support for their recovery and reintegration into society.

Principal Secretary Health, Kumar Rahul assured the Health Minister to implement the health policies of the government in letter and spirit.

Four panel discussions on De-addiction programs in Punjab: Do we need to improvise?, Skill Development as part of mental health and de-addiction treatment, Punjab Mental Health Policy (Discussion on draft) and on stress management and suicide prevention , were held to deliberate on the concerned mental health issues.

Project Director PSACS Varinder Kumar Sharma, MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, ADGP Nilabh Kishore, Member Punjab Development Commission Anurag Kundu, , Professor AIIMS Delhi Dr. Atul Ambekar, Professor and Head Deptt. of Psychiatry PGI Dr. Debasis Basu, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr.Hitinder Kaur, Director (ESI) Dr. Jaspreet Kaur, Director Medical Education Dr Avneet Kumar, APD Dr Bobby Gulati,AD (Mental Health) Dr Sandeep Bhola, Advocate Jastej Singh ( representative AG Punjab) , Col. Rajinder Singh (Representative Baru Sahib religious organization) , representatives of Narcotics Anonymous and representatives of Association of Psychiatrists were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Government partners with University of Birmingham (UK) to establish Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management and Cold Chain

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Chandigarh: In a pioneering move towards enhancing horticultural practices, the Haryana Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Birmingham to establish the first-of-its-kind Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management and Cold Chain for horticulture crops. The state-of-the-art centre, located in Panchkula, aims to significantly reduce post-harvest losses while maintaining the quality and freshness of horticultural produce from farm to consumer.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana.

On behalf of the Haryana Government, the MoU was signed by Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh. Raja Shekhar Vundru, while Prof. Robin Mason, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International), University of Birmingham, signed on behalf of the university.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana, being the food bowl of India, is rapidly diversifying into fresh fruits and vegetables. This expansion calls for the effective management of the cold chain to minimize post-harvest losses in the sector. He further said that the Centre of Excellence will play a crucial role in ensuring quality, reducing wastage, and supporting the agricultural community in Haryana.

The Centre of Excellence will serve as a comprehensive research and testing hub under one roof, dedicated to improving the post-harvest management of fruits and vegetables. It will also provide vital research and testing services for students and researchers from CCS Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU), Hisar and Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, Karnal allowing them to undertake studies and experiments in the fields of post-harvest management and cold chain technology.

Key objectives of the Centre include reducing post-harvest losses by developing guidelines and protocols to mitigate such losses; fostering cold chain innovations by providing testing facilities and supporting advancements to ensure an efficient cold chain for horticultural products; nurturing tech start-ups by offering incubation support for cold chain technologies; driving sustainable practices through cutting-edge research on energy-efficient cold chain solutions and the development of sustainable business models; and establishing a comprehensive national framework for cold-chain practices and post-harvest management (PHM), aimed at curbing horticultural produce wastage.

In addition to its core research activities, the Centre will provide training, technology demonstrations, and incubation facilities for businesses and farmers, helping them adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

The Haryana Government has allocated 15 acres of land adjoining the Directorate of Horticulture, Sector 21, Panchkula, for the development of the CoE-SPMCC. The Centre will feature a training centre, technology demonstration area, testing centre, and technology incubation centre.

With this collaboration, Haryana is poised to set a benchmark in sustainable crop post-harvest management and cold chain practices, contributing significantly to reducing food waste and enhancing the profitability and sustainability of horticultural farming.

Experts from the University of Birmingham are leading a consortium of UK and international universities to provide technical assistance in developing the Centre in Panchkula. The consortium includes Heriot-Watt University, Cranfield University, London South Bank University, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This collaborative effort has driven the design and establishment of the Centre, with the University of Birmingham taking the lead on resilient systems approaches to energy and cooling, energy transitions and storage, and understanding the social impacts of these technologies.

Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr Saket Kumar, HoD Horticulture Department Dr Arjun Singh Saini and other officers were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Action taken against Energy department’s negligence in Rohtak on Anil Vij’s instructions

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Chandigarh, February 15, 2025 – Haryana Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij conducted a surprise inspection at the Rajiv Gandhi Vidyut Bhawan, UHBVN, Rohtak, on February 2, 2025. During this, he reviewed the pending electricity complaints at the Bijli Seva Kendra, Rohtak Circle and found that several complaints were not resolved within the stipulated four-hour timeframe. Following this, he directed the Executive Engineer, Operation Circle, UHBVN, Rohtak, to investigate the matter and sought explanations from the concerned officers and staff. 

During the investigation, a total of six complaints were found out, out of which four were resolved on time, while two were delayed. These two complaints were related to Jai Narayan from the village of Hamayupur, whose grandson, Rahul had complained regarding disruption of power supply on AP connection.

It was found that Junior Engineer (JE) Vikas Kaushik and Lineman Rambir were responsible for the delay. On February 1, 2025, at 6:40 AM, a fault occurred in the 11 kV line of the Hamayupur AP feeder, which was repaired by 10:25 AM but power supply to the affected area was not restored. This shows JE’s lack of concern, as he did not inspect the site personally despite being in charge. Besides this, he also allowed his subordinates to work without  PTW approval, which posed a risk of serious accident. This was deemed a severe act of negligence. 

Accordingly, Executive Engineer, Rohtak has suspended Lineman Rambir with immediate effect, while the case against JE Vikas Kaushik has been sent to UHBVN Headquarters, Panchkula for disciplinary action.

After reviewing the case, UHBVN Panchkula has issued a charge sheet to JE Vikas Kaushik and directed him to give an explanation within 30 days. If the reply is not submitted within the stipulated time limit, it will be considered as an admission of guilt and further action will be taken against him.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Extensive efforts underway in Haryana to prevent cancer: Nayab Singh Saini

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Chandigarh, February 15 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that cancer is a serious illness, but if its symptoms are detected early, treatment is possible.

            He made these remarks while meeting with children who are cancer survivors, along with their parents and doctors, at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday, in observance of International Childhood Cancer Day.

            The Chief Minister extended his blessings to the cancer survivor children, wishing them a bright future. The children presented him with artwork created from their handprints, which the Chief Minister signed, while also sharing a message encouraging greater awareness of childhood cancer. He said that the incidence of cancer has been rising steadily in recent years, affecting people across all age groups. Raising awareness is crucial in preventing the disease, he said that with timely recognition of its symptoms, treatment is possible through proper examination.

            The Chief Minister also took time to engage with the doctors from Fortis Hospital in Gurugram who accompanied the children, commending their efforts in helping the children recover from this serious illness. It is noteworthy that the Haryana government is taking extensive measures to raise awareness about cancer and provide support for those affected. Cancer patients in the state are offered free bus travel on Haryana State Transport buses, as well as a monthly pension through social security programs. In addition, awareness rallies, seminars, and health camps are being organized across Haryana to further educate the public. Health services for cancer patients are also available through institutions such as Atal Cancer Hospital in Ambala, PGIMS Rohtak, National Cancer Institute in Jhajjar, and various Day-Care Centers.

Dr. Vikas Dua, Dr. Arun Daneva, Dr. Sohini, Dr. Swati, Dr. Sunisha, Dr. Yash Rawat, Abhishek Sharma from Fortis Hospital and parents of the children were also present on this occasion.