Hisar, October 17:
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has reacted to the completion of one year of the BJP government’s third term in Haryana. He said, “The list of the government’s failures in one year is so long that instead of celebrating, it should introspect.”
Hooda said Haryana farmers are forced to wander from pillar to post in the markets because government agencies are refusing to purchase paddy, citing moisture and black grains as excuses. He explained that farmers’ crops are being sold at prices ₹400-₹500 per quintal below the MSP, causing farmers to face financial crisis.
“During the elections, the BJP promised to pay ₹3100 per quintal for paddy and purchase all crops at MSP, but today the reality is the opposite. The government is unable to provide farmers with MSP, fertilizers, or timely compensation,” he said.
Referring to his visit to the mandis, Hooda said chaos, open loot, and corruption are rampant in the mandis. “Farmers are facing severe difficulties in obtaining gate passes, space, and payment. No compensation has yet been provided for the crop losses caused by heavy rains last year and this year,” he added.
The Leader of the Opposition also raised serious questions about the law and order situation in the state. He said crime is rapidly increasing and criminals are unbridled, while the police force, which is responsible for public safety, feels helpless and hopeless. “Policemen are committing suicide, which reflects the insensitivity of the government and administration,” he pointed out.
Hooda said in a situation where farmers, youth, employees, and businessmen are all suffering, and unemployment and corruption are rampant, celebrating the BJP government is a joke on the public. He said the claims of a double-engine government have also proven to be completely hollow—Haryana has neither hot a major project from the central government, nor has the state government been able to implement any major development work,” he stated.
Before speaking to reporters, Hooda visited the residence of the late Mr. Jaswant Singh in Hisar today, where he paid tribute to his wife and sister, the late Mrs. Sushila Devi, and expressed his condolences to the family.
Following this, Hooda participated in an important joining ceremony. During this ceremony, Pradeep Saini, district patron of the All India Saini Samaj Seva Mandal and a senior BJP leader, joined the Congress party, expressing full confidence in Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s leadership.
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.
विधानसभा स्तर पर नारायणगढ़ से होगी हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान अभियान की शुरुआत
चंडीगढ़, 08 अक्टूबर।
हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान अभियान अब नए कलेवर में नजर आएगा। अब हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान जन चेतना ट्रस्ट के तौर पर दलितों के हकों की आवाज बुलंद करेगा और उनके अधिकारियों की लड़ाई लड़ेगा। बुधवार को चंडीगढ़ में केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल के मुख्य मीडिया सलाहकार सुदेश कटारिया ने हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान जन चेतना ट्रस्ट की घोषणा की। पत्रकारों से बातचीत करते हुए सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि ट्रस्ट का उद्देश्य संविधान निर्माता बाबा साहेब के विचारों, सिंद्धातों और आदर्शों को जन-जन तक पहुंचाना है। अब जिलास्तर के बाद विधानसभा स्तर पर हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान का आगाज होगा और 9 अक्टूबर को नारायणगढ़ विधानसभा में दलित सम्मेलन का आयोजन होगा। वहीं उन्होंने, इस दौरान जिलाध्यक्षों के नामों की घोषणा की और उनको नियुक्त पत्र बांटे।
सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि दलित, शोषित और वंचित वर्ग तक सरकार की योजनाओं को पहुंचाने में जन चेतना ट्रस्ट की अहम भूमिका रहेगी। इसके साथ ही दलित जन प्रतिनिधियों के साथ हो रही अनदेखी को लेकर भी ट्रस्ट प्रमुखता से काम करेगा।
उन्होंने कहा कि एक वर्ष पहले धर्मनगरी कुरुक्षेत्र से दलितों के हकों की आवाज बुलंद करने का केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल ने शंखनाद किया था। तब से लेकर अब तक हर जिले में जिलास्तर पर कार्यक्रम हो चुके हैं। अब विधानसभा स्तर पर कार्यक्रमों की रूपरेखा तैयार कर ली गई है।
सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि कांग्रेस संविधान के नाम पर दलितों को गुमराह कर रही है। संविधान केवल एक दस्तावेज नहीं है, बल्कि यह भारतीय लोकतंत्र और दलितों की आत्मा है। कांग्रेस ने हमेशा उनकी आत्मा को ठेस पहुंचाई है। कांग्रेस आज वोट चोरी के नाम पर लोगों को गुमराह कर रही है, लेकिन वोट चोरी तो कांग्रेस ने 1952 में की थी, जब तत्कालीन प्रधानमंत्री जवाहर लाल नेहरू ने 74 हजार वोटों को रद्द करवाकर संविधान निर्माता को हराने का काम किया था। कांग्रेस ने हमेशा वोट चोरी और दलितों को गुमराह करके सत्ता हासिल की है। मगर अब कांग्रेस का यह झूठ नहीं चलेगा, क्योंकि अब दलित जागरूक हो चुका है।
18 जिलों के जिलाध्यक्षों की गई घोषणा
हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान जन चेतना ट्रस्ट के अध्यक्ष सुदेश कटारिया ने 18 जिलों के जिलाध्यक्षों के नामों की घोषणा की। इनमें अंबाला का जिलाध्यक्ष मोहनीश कपूर सिंह को नियुक्त किया गया है। इसके साथ ही करनाल का इंद्र सिंह निगदू, कुरुक्षेत्र का सुनील मिर्जापुर, कैथल का संजीव कुमार, गुरुग्राम का किरोड़ी तंवर, चरखी-दादरी का पवन कुमार, पानीपत का धर्मवीर कुराना, फरीदाबाद का मनोज कुमार, फतेहाबाद का सुरजीत मैंडल, यमुनानगर का शास्वत चौधरी, पलवल का राजकुमार चौहान, पंचकूला का गुरमेल मेहरा, महेंद्रगढ़ का दिनेश खातौद, नूंह का गंगादान डागर, झज्जर का अरुण खासा, हांसी का अनूप भौरिया, हिसार का शमशेर गिल और भिवानी का सतीश बड़सी को जिलाध्यक्ष नियुक्त किया है। जल्द ही बाकी जिलों के जिलाध्यक्षों के नामों की घोषणा होगी और जिला अध्यक्ष जिला और ब्लॉक कार्यकारिणी गठित करेंगे।
धर्मनगरी कुरुक्षेत्र से हुआ था दलित सम्मान स्वाभिमान का शंखनाद
हमारा संविधान-हमारा स्वाभिमान जन चेतना ट्रस्ट के अध्यक्ष एवं केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल के मुख्य मीडिया सलाहकार सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि वर्ष-2024 में गीता की उपदेशात्मक स्थली कुरुक्षेत्र से दलित सम्मान स्वाभिमान का शंखनाद हुआ था। केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल ने बतौर मुख्यातिथि न केवल दलितों के हकों की आवाज बुलंद की थी, बल्कि केंद्रीय कानून मंत्री अर्जुन मेघवाल ने संविधान के नाम पर कांग्रेस के ढकोसले से पर्दा उठाया था। तब से लेकर अब तक 100 से ज्यादा कार्यक्रम आयोजित किए जा चुके हैं। वर्ष 2024 का दलित सम्मान स्वाभिमान समारोह का प्रदेश में भाजपा की तीसरी बार सरकार बनाने में बड़ा योगदान रहा है।
मनोहर राज में मिला दलितों को सम्मान
केंद्रीय ऊर्जा मंत्री मनोहर लाल के मुख्य मीडिया सलाहकार सुदेश कटारिया ने कहा कि जब वर्ष 2014 में बतौर मुख्यमंत्री मनोहर लाल ने प्रदेश की कमान संभाली तो उन्होंने सबसे पहले भाई भतीजावाद, भ्रष्टाचार, क्षेत्रवाद और जातिवाद को समाप्त किया। इसके साथ ही नौकरियों में मिशन मेरिट की शुरुआत की, जिससे दलितों का बिना पर्ची-बिना खर्ची नौकरी लगने का सपना पूरा हुआ। वहीं, उन्होंने दलितों की सबसे बड़ी मांग एससी कमीशन, सफाई आयोग और पदोन्नति में आरक्षण को लागू किया। जबकि पूर्व की सरकारों ने दलितों की सुध नहीं ली और हर 18वें मिनट में दलितों पर अत्याचार होते थे। दलितों को मनोहर राज में अत्याचारों से मुक्ति मिली और एससी कमीशन के जरिये उनकी समस्याओं की त्वरित सुनवाई होती है।
NIPER Mohali to Host 5th Edition of Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan-2025 Conclave from October 31
Under the aegis of the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyaan-2025 (SMA-2025), the 5th Edition of this Mahakumbh would be held at NIPER Mohali from 31st October to 2nd November 2025. The theme for this edition will be “Classroom to Society: Building a Healthier World through Education” The conclave will bring together leaders from academia, research, industry, and policy to reimagine the future of education in Bharat. The previous four editions were held at NIT Jalandhar, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Srinagar and Kurukshetra University, respectively. With each passing edition, SMA is witnessing an increased participation by academia, Industry and Scholars. The number of Research Paper submissions and Project showcases have consistently grown over the years.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club, Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, said, “SMA 2025 will serve as a powerful platform to align educational thought with societal needs. At NIPER, we strongly believe that education must not remain confined to classrooms but must contribute to building a healthier, more resilient world. Hosting this edition at our campus is a matter of pride, and we look forward to global collaborations and actionable outcomes.”
Prof. Deepti Dharmani, Vice Chancellor, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani & Vice President, Vidya Bharti North Zone, added, “The Shiksha Mahakumbh has emerged as a national movement, connecting education with innovation, values, and cultural ethos. SMA 2025 is an invitation for every stakeholder—students, teachers, institutions, industry, and policymakers—to contribute towards shaping Bharat’s educational renaissance in line with the vision of Bharat@2047.”
The event was graced by Vijay Nadda, Organising Secretary, Vidya Bharati, North Zone, who’s vision and guidance has been a constant force behind the success of this Abhiyaan.
Dr. Thakur SKR, Director, Department of Holistic Education, said, organised by the Department of Holistic Education (DHE) in collaboration with NIPER Mohali and supported by leading state and central institutions, the 5th edition will feature: 12 National-level Conclaves for Vice-Chancellors, Directors, teachers, researchers, innovators, and policymakers; Paper presentations across sciences, engineering, social sciences, Indian knowledge systems, education technology, and sustainability; Student-centric programmes including the National Tinkering Challenge, Vidyarthi Sanskar Sammelan, Bharat Yatra Quiz, and English Olympiad and Startup showcases, Exhibitions, Cultural performances, and Awards.
Sourabh Chowdhury , President, Department of Holistic Education, said, “Over the years, SMA has inspired several initiatives like Tredul, Sarvatra, Swadeshi Bazaar, Jobs 360°, TuDu, Holistic Harbour, various Olympiads —bridging education with society’s real needs.”
Aarti Sharma, Media Prabhari, SMA 2025, requested all to come forward and participate with full vigour and zeal in this upcoming event.
TiE Chandigarh, in collaboration with Sahayak Associates to host its flagship event ‘Parivartan ka Utsav- Udaan’ of Women Entrepreneurs
Chandigarh, September 16
TiE Chandigarh, in collaboration with Sahayak Associates, is set to host its flagship evening “Parivartan ka Utsav – Udaan’ of women entrepreneurs on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 4 PM – 7 PM at Chandigarh Club, Sector 1, Chandigarh.
Dedicated to celebrating resilience, innovation, and impact, this exclusive evening will bring together inspiring journeys, entrepreneurial pitches, and exhibitions by women-led enterprises, creating a platform that unites voices from self-help groups, startups, and established ventures across Punjab and beyond.
Speaking on the occasion, Puneet Verma, President, TiE Chandigarh, said, Parivartan ka Utsav – Udaan is not just an event but a movement to celebrate and empower women entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of business and society. Adding to this, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Semi-Finals of the TiE Women Global Pitch Competition will be hosted, where top 5 finalists of TiE Chandigarh will be awarded cash prizes worth Rs. 5 Lakh in Finale round.”
The evening will begin with a Special Conversation featuring: Divita Juneja, Actress & Entrepreneur, Ms. Himani Arora, Founder – Studio Himani Arora and would be Moderated by Opinder Kaur Gill, Entrepreneur & Community Builder.
The event will feature Gurpreet Kaur Deo, Community Affairs Division, Punjab, as a distinguished speaker, along with two thought-provoking panel discussions: “Leap of Faith: From Side Hustle to Sustainable Business” featuring: Nanki Aurora Singh, Founder – The Secret Ice Cream Society; Ritu Kochhar, Founder – Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD); Akshina Jindal, Founder & CEO – Bubble Me, Moderated by Tanushree Gupta, Co-Chair TiE Women & Founder – Think People First
Adding depth to the program, women entrepreneur pitches from Punjab and exhibition by women-led enterprises will spotlight the innovation and creativity that drive the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This initiative is being led by the TiE Chandigarh Women Core Team.
Adding a unique dimension to the evening, Shuchi Singh, Dance Movement Therapist, will present an experiential session titled “Power of Movement”, highlighting how expression and resilience come alive through dance, creativity, and the body’s natural rhythm.
Pooja Nayar, Chair – TiE Women Chandigarh, said, “TiE Women Chandigarh is proud to host Parivartan Ka Utsav – Udaan of Women Entrepreneurs, an event that signifies transformation, empowerment, and the rise of women as changemakers. The theme reflects a shift in mindset—recognizing women not just as participants but as leaders driving innovation, building enterprises, and contributing to the economy. Through powerful pitches, stories of resilience, and a showcase of women-led ventures, the evening aims to inspire collaboration, strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and accelerate the impact of women entrepreneurs on society and business.”
Co-Chairs including Tanushree, Co-Chair TiE Women & Founder – Think People First, Shalini Saini, Co-Founder, Busy Bucket, Ekta Gupta, Founder Parijai Genus and Isha Taneja, CEO of Complere Infosystem are also a part of this team.
Global Lead, Ritika Singh, Founder – Kontent Factory ((Executive Member, TiE Chandigarh & Member, TiE Global Women Program) said, “It’s heartening to see valuable platforms for women that talk business and entrepreneurship. Women need communities that don’t just make them seen and heard but also valued as innovators, change makers and employment generators. Personally, I would like to see women as nation builders – whether inside or outside the house.
The executive council members including Puneet Verma-President, Brahm Alreja- Vice President, Ravi Sharma-General Secretary and Vishal Kedia- Joint Secretary were also present.
Adding to this, Sandeep Sahni, Founder of Sahayak Associates, shared, “We are delighted to collaborate with TiE Chandigarh on this remarkable initiative. At Sahayak Associates, our vision aligns with empowering women to secure their futures and scale new heights in their entrepreneurial journeys.”
Prerna Kalra, Entrepreneur– TiE Chandigarh, added, “This initiative is a testament to the strength and creativity of women entrepreneurs. Udaan represents courage, innovation, and the power of collective growth. By providing a stage for women-led startups and enterprises to showcase their ideas and journeys, we are not only celebrating their achievements but also paving the way for future generations of women leaders.”
“AN INSULT, NOT AID”: AMAN ARORA LAMBASTES PM MODI’S “CRUEL JOKE” OF A RELIEF PACKAGE
Chandigarh, September 9:
Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora today expressed his profound disappointment over the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “paltry and insulting” relief package of Rs. 1600 crores for a state staring at losses exceeding Rs. 20,000 crores from catastrophic floods. The Prime Minister was visiting the flood-ravaged state, on Tuesday.
Mr. Arora did not mince words, accusing the PM of delivering a “cruel joke” to the people of Punjab instead of the meaningful national response they had hoped for.
“The Prime Minister came, saw, and offered a pittance,” Arora stated. “While our farmers stand amidst the ruins of their lives—their homes, their crops, their livestock washed away—the Centre’s response is not just inadequate, it is a blatant insult. Rs. 1600 crore is a slap in the face of every citizen who has lost everything.”
He said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been demanding the immediate release of Rs 60,000 crore in stalled funds for the state’s survival and Rs. 20,000 crore for flood relief package but this token amount makes a mockery of the scale of destruction. It reveals a blatant disregard for the plight of Punjabis.
“The soul of Punjab, our agriculture, has been shattered,” said an emotional Mr. Aman Arora, “The crops our farmers nurtured like their own children have been wiped out just 15-20 days before harvesting. There is no chance of resowing. Our farmers have lost an entire season’s income.” He highlighted that a total of 4.80 lakh acres of agricultural land has been affected and the worst-hit is paddy, with over 3.71 lakh acres completely submerged.
The floods, the worst since 1988, have claimed 52 precious human lives and directly affected nearly 4 lakh people across more than 2000 villages, the scale of destruction demands monumental efforts to rebuild.
He demanded that the Central Government should immediately reassess the damage with a sense of urgency and responsibility, and announce a comprehensive relief package that truly reflects the magnitude of this disaster and the value of Punjab’s contribution to India.
Highlighting the stark contrast between Punjab’s historic contributions and the Centre’s neglect in this hour of need, Mr. Aman Arora said, “from the freedom struggle to feeding the nation, Punjab has always been the nation’s sword and shield. The state’s farmers have ensured India’s food security for decades, and our youth have valiantly guarded its borders. Yet, when our own land is submerged and our people are suffering, the Government of India’s response is just dismissive.”
SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh Hosts Grand Convocation Ceremony
Chandigarh
SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh held its Convocation Ceremony on August 28, 2025, in a dignified and celebratory event graced by the presence of the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria.
The Governor was welcomed with a traditional ceremonial procession led by a band and escorted by eminent dignitaries, including Jagdish B. Parikh, Nominee of the Chancellor & Joint Treasurer, SVKM; Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS; Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr. Meenu Mehta, Dean, School of Commerce; and Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Campus Director, SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh. The academic procession was led ceremonially by Dr. Tanmoy Chakraborty, Registrar, carrying the “Raj Dand”, a symbol of academic authority and tradition.
The event commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a soulful rendition of the Saraswati Vandana. Jagdish B. Parikh formally declared the convocation ceremony open, setting the tone for a day of reflection, celebration, and inspiration.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for his esteemed presence. He acknowledged the contributions of the SVKM’s NMIMS leadership, faculty, staff, and families, and commended the graduating students for their perseverance and achievements.
Dr. Bhatt highlighted SVKM’s NMIMS’s recent accolades, including the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation and its ranking among the Top 50 universities in India. He credited this success to the visionary leadership of Amrishbhai Patel, Chancellor of NMIMS, and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and holistic education.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director, SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh, recognized the presence of Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Jagdish B. Parikh, Nominee of the Chancellor & Joint Treasurer, SVKM, Dr. Ramesh Bhatt, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Tanmoy Chakraborty, Registrar and Dr. Meenu Mehta, Dean, School of Commerce
She presented an academic overview, highlighting the campus’s achievements in research, student development, and institutional growth. She emphasized NMIMS Chandigarh’s commitment to holistic education, underscoring the importance of platforms that foster innovation, leadership, and practical learning. Over the academic year, the campus hosted several impactful events and competitions such as Manfiest, Management Conclave, Hackathon, Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), Anviksha, and the prestigious National Moot Court Competition. Commending the dedicated efforts of the faculty, staff, and students, she concluded her address by inspiring the graduating class with the message:
“Courage to Try and Humility to Learn.”
Degree Conferment & Awards
The Governor formally conferred degrees upon the graduating students, celebrating their hard-earned accomplishments. Special honors were awarded to students on the Dean’s
List for academic excellence:
Outstanding Academic Achievers:
• Sahnvi Gupta – B.Com (Hons.)
• Suhani – B.Com (Hons.)
Faculty Awards for Excellence:
• Dr. Vanita Sharma – School of Commerce
• Dr. Aditya Bakshi – School of Technology Management & Engineering
• Dr. Mohit Pahwa – School of Law
Staff Recognition:
• Mr. Sachin Dhiman – Best Employee (Maintenance Officer)
In his keynote address, Gulab Chand Kataria congratulated the graduating students and lauded the academic community of SVKM’s NMIMS. He praised the university’s progressive vision and institutional journey under SVKM’s NMIMS leadership.
Acknowledging the significance of women leadership in education, he noted that 60–70% of gold medalists in Indian universities are women, applauding SVKM’s NMIMS for contributing to this positive trend. He emphasized the pivotal role of faculty in shaping academic institutions and expressed admiration for SVKM NMIMS’s growth and recent NAAC A++ recognition.
The convocation concluded with the National Anthem, drawing to a close a memorable celebration of academic excellence, commitment, and inspiration for the future leaders of tomorrow.
‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 183, PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS RAIDS AT 324 SITES; 68 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD
CHANDIGARH, August 31:
Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 183rd day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 324 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 68 drug smugglers after registration of 46 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 27,787 in 183 days.
The raids have resulted in recovery of 3.9 heroin, 2.5 kg opium, 962 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 2 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.
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.
Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 100 Police teams, comprising over 900 police personnel, under the supervision of 70 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 356 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.
The Special DGP said that with 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 28 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
HEALTH MINISTER DR. BALBIR SINGH VISITS FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS OF GURDASPUR, PERSONALLY PLEDGES FINANCIAL AID
CHANDIGARH/GURDASPUR, August 31:
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, along with MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, today visited the flood-affected areas of Gurdaspur district. The Minister visited relief camps set up by the district administration in villages Narhawali, Kalanor, Machrala, Pakhoke, and Dera Baba Nanak to review the health services being provided to people by the Health Department.
During the visit, Dr. Balbir Singh distributed relief materials to individuals at the camps and assured them that the Punjab Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time. He stated that the Health Department will leave no stone unturned in providing health services to people in the flood-affected areas.
Interacting with media persons, the Health Minister said he is touring the flood-affected areas of the state and that people have suffered significant losses due to the floods. He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the entire Punjab Government is working relentlessly to help the victims in every way possible. He noted that the state government first safely evacuated people from the affected areas and that relief operations are ongoing, with essential supplies being continuously delivered to those in need. Arrangements for fodder for livestock are also being made, with significant support from social service organizations.
Dr. Balbir Singh stated that Health Department teams are working continuously in the flood-affected areas to ensure people face no health problems. He informed that special medical camps are being organized and that necessary steps have been taken to prevent the spread of diseases like Dengue, Malaria, and Diarrhoea from the floodwaters. The Minister informed that he has also requested 100 ambulances with paramedical staff from the Indian Medical Association, which will arrive soon.
Acknowledging the extensive damage to crops and houses, Dr. Balbir Singh announced that while the Punjab Government is helping the affected families in every possible way, he will personally provide financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each to one flood-affected farmer family and one labourer family. Additionally, in line with the Punjab Government’s decision, he will donate one month’s salary to aid the flood-affected people. He also appealed to NRIs and social service institutions to come forward and help the victims.
During the tour, the Health Minister also visited the Community Health Centre in Kalanaur.
Civil Surgeon Gurdaspur, Dr. Jaswinder Singh, informed the Minister that besides organizing medical camps, Health Department teams are conducting water sampling, health awareness drives, and rescuing patients in the affected villages. All necessary health services are being provided, and medicines are being given free of cost to patients.
He detailed that 3 Rapid Response Teams have been formed at the district level and 19 at the block level. For public convenience, 38 mobile medical teams are providing services in the flood-affected areas. The health department has 6 of its own ambulances and 18 from 108 service operational for the public. Teams have been provided with on-the-spot water testing kits to check the quality of drinking water immediately, and chlorination of water is being carried out by the Health Department.
The Health Minister was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Rupinderjit Saini, newly appointed Chairman of the District Planning Committee and AAP District President Joban Randhawa, Chairman Balwinder Singh Haruwal, SDM Kalanaur Jyotsana Singh, SDM Dera Baba Nanak Dr. Aditya Sharma, SDM Fatehgarh Churian Gurmandar Singh, Tehsildar Rajinder Singh, District Media Incharge Mukhdev Singh Alowal, and other officers of the Health Department.
AMAN ARORA SEEKS RELEASE OF ₹60K CRORE STALLED FUNDS, DEMANDS 3-FOLD HIKE IN FLOOD COMPENSATION
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 31:
After visiting the flood-hit areas in Amritsar district, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora today urged the Central Government to immediately release Rs 60,000 crore stalled funds and also demanded to triple the compensation amount for flood victims in the state.
He, along with PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO and MLA S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, was addressing a press conference at Circuit House in Amritsar, on Sunday, following his visit to flood-affected areas in Ajnala and Ramdas.
He assessed the damage caused by the floods and oversaw relief operations carried by district administration. He emphasised the need for immediate action to support the people affected by the floods. He also highlighted the state government’s efforts to rescue people, their animals, and belongings, and provide essential supplies like food and medicine. He also attributed the flooding to cloudbursts in hilly areas and stated that a preliminary assessment is underway.
Highlighting the dire situation, Mr. Aman Arora stated that approximately 3 lakh acres of farmland, mainly paddy fields, are still submerged under floodwater, resulting in massive crop losses just weeks before harvest. Furthermore, widespread loss of livestock is severely affecting rural households that rely heavily on dairy and animal husbandry for their livelihood.
Launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government, Mr Aman Arora accused the union government of step-motherly treatment towards Punjab. He emphasised that the Centre must take responsibility for Punjab’s plight and provide immediate assistance. He highlighted that the Centre Government has scrapped Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) projects worth Rs. 828 crore in Punjab, which would adversely impacted state’s rural connectivity in long-run.
He noted that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has already written to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and release funds to support the flood-affected families.
Mr. Aman Arora shared that the current compensation for flood victims is inadequate, citing Rs 6,800 per acre for crop damage, paying such a petty amount would be a cruel joke with the “Annadata”, Rs 1.20 lakh for damaged houses and Rs 4 lakh in case of death. He demanded that at-least Rs 50,000 per acre should be paid to the farmers and the compensation for other losses should also be hiked to ensure sufficient relief to affected families.
Mr. Aman Arora pointed out that Punjab has suffered significant revenue losses of approximately Rs 50,000 crore over the past years due to implementation of the GST regime and Rs. 8,000 crore has been withheld in Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF). Despite these facts, the Central Government has not provided any compensation or special package for the state, he added.
Mr. Aman Arora urged the BJP leadership in Punjab to prioritise securing a special package for the state instead of indulging in photo ops in flood-affected areas. “It’s time for the Central Government to take concrete steps to support Punjab in this hour of need,” he stressed.
PSEB EMPLOYEES’ ORGANIZATIONS CALL OFF STRIKE FOLLOWING MEETING WITH POWER MINISTER
Chandigarh/Patiala, August 14:
Following discussions with Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in Patiala today, the PSEB Employees Joint Forum and Bijli Mulazam Ekta Manch Punjab have announced withdrawal of their ongoing strike action.
The breakthrough came after extensive meetings, held on August 10 and 14, 2025, chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, alongside PSPCL administration officials at Punjab Bhawan and PSPCL Guest House, Chandigarh, culminated in the acceptance of key employee demands, with formal minutes documenting the agreements reached.
Addressing the media, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating that comprehensive discussions between union representatives and the government had yielded mutually acceptable solutions. He assured that PSPCL’s Board of Directors would expedite formal approval of the agreed provisions, while matters requiring Punjab Cabinet sanction would be fast-tracked through appropriate channels.
The Power Minister thanked organizational leaders and members for demonstrating trust in government assurances and resuming duties promptly. He stressed the critical importance of the period leading up to September 30, highlighting the essential need for uninterrupted power supply during the peak paddy cultivation season and heightened domestic consumption.
Reinforcing Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment to youth employment, the Cabinet Minister highlighted the government’s remarkable achievement of creating over 55,000 employment opportunities across the past three and a half years. Addressing recruitment concerns within PSPCL and PSTCL, he disclosed that more than 7,000 appointments have already been completed, with an additional 11,000 positions scheduled for completion by year-end.
Similarly, it has been decided to increase the ex-gratia amount by ₹5 lakh, raising it to ₹35 lakh. A committee has also been constituted to address the demands of outsourced and contractual employees and its recommendations will be implemented as soon as they are submitted.
The Power Minister assured that the people of Punjab would not face any inconvenience and the Mann Government is committed to accepting every legitimate demand of government employees.