SAS Nagar, July 5:

The Punjab State Cooperative Bank carried out tree-plantation drive in association with the Eco Plantation Association, Mohali on Saturday. This activity is carried out as a part of the Campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ in connection with celebration of International Year of Cooperative (IYC) 2025.

On this occasion, trees were planted on road berms of newly developed Purab Apartment Chownk, Sector-78, Mohali. Chairman and Managing Director along-with staff of the bank participated in the event and planted trees with the help of Eco Plantation Association.

The Chairman of the bank S. Jagdev Singh Bam while speaking on the occasion, said that the Eco Plantation Association is doing a wonderful work to protect the environment and to make the city green. He further said that The Punjab State Cooperative Bank felt privileged to be a part of this noble cause. The Eco Plantation Association was also honoured by the Chairman with a momento for their matchless efforts in saving the environment.

The Managing Director S. Harjeet Singh Sandhu (PCS) of the bank while speaking on this occasion has stressed on the importance of saving Mother Earth for future generations. He shared the environmental issues faced by the world due to pollution and ever-decreasing green cover. He also said that the Earth is around five hundred million years old and the degradation of the environment occurred in the last 100 to 200 years is much more than what this Earth has undergone during five hundred million years. He assured the Eco Plantation Association of all possible help in their endeavour to protect the environment. The members of the association thanked the entire team of the bank for its sincere and whole-hearted participation in the tree plantation drive for the sake of the environment.

Chandigarh, July 4:

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains fully committed to making the state free from the social evil of child marriage and continues to take firm, effective steps in this direction. In one such instance, the timely intervention of Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur led to the prevention of a child marriage involving a 15-year-old girl in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

Sharing details of the case, Dr. Baljit Kaur revealed that a few months ago, a minor girl made a distress call to the 112 emergency helpline from a beauty parlour, pleading for help to prevent her impending marriage. Acting swiftly, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crimes Against Women and Children) immediately alerted the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).

Following an inquiry, it was found that the girl’s parents, citing her lack of interest in studies and family circumstances, were attempting to marry her off at just 15 years of age. Social pressures and concerns over family honour had also influenced their decision.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that a joint team comprising officials from the District Child Protection Unit, Child Development Project Officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and Station House Officer reached the marriage venue without delay and successfully rescued the minor girl before the ceremony could take place. The groom’s family was also made aware of the legal implications and grave consequences of child marriage. In the presence of village representatives, including the Sarpanch, both families provided written consent to cancel the marriage.

Commending the prompt and coordinated response of the district team, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that this case stands as a clear demonstration of the Punjab Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards child protection violations. She reaffirmed that the Mann Government is steadfast in creating a safe and empowering environment for every girl child in the state.

The Minister further informed that the girl was presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which, considering the risk of repeat attempts, ordered her immediate placement in a Children’s Home in Jalandhar. She was later reunited with her family and, since she expressed no interest in continuing formal education, has been enrolled in vocational training to help secure her future.

Dr. Baljit Kaur earnestly appealed to social welfare organizations, village Sarpanches/Panches, and the general public to promptly report any instances of child marriage by calling the Child Helpline at 1098. She assured that the identity of the informant would be kept strictly confidential, and the government would take swift action to safeguard the rights and futures of vulnerable children.

Chandigarh, June 28: Smiti Chaudhary , IPS, a dedicated officer of the 2012 Haryana cadre and the Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Ambala, passed away suddenly on June 27 in Nashik, Maharashtra. Haryana Director General of Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, along with the entire Haryana Police fraternity, expressed profound sorrow over her demise. Offering condolences, DGP Kapur said, “The department stands firmly with her family in this difficult time. Her passing is a monumental loss to the police family.” He also prayed for the peace of the departed soul.

Mrs. *Smiti Chaudhary* had been unwell for a few days and was on leave during this period. She had traveled to Nashik to be with her husband, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, who serves as the Director of the Maharashtra Police Academy. She breathed her last while undergoing treatment in Nashik. Born on August 15, 1976, she hailed from Dumarkhan Kalan village in Jind, Haryana. A 2012 batch IPS officer, she was posted as SP, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Ambala, at the time of her untimely demise. She is survived by her husband and two children.

Mrs. *Smiti Chaudhary* was known for her honesty, empathy, and courage. Throughout her career, she remained unwaveringly committed to the principles of justice, transparency, and public service. She demonstrated exceptional dedication and deep commitment to her duties, excelling in several challenging assignments.

DGP Kapur added, “May the departed soul rest in peace. Her contributions and service will forever inspire us to remain steadfast on the path of serving the nation.”

Chandigarh:

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, in line with its Terms & Conditions for Road Cut permissions, has issued a directive restricting road cuts activities during the upcoming monsoon season.

MC Commissioner Sh Amit Kumar, IAS has passed this order that this shall be effective from July 1 to September 30, 2025 during which no road cut permission shall be granted across Chandigarh except for emergent works, which will be reviewed and considered on a case-to-case basis with the prior approval of the competentauthority.

To ensure public safety and minimize inconvenience during the rains, the following instructions have been issued:

• All ongoing road cut works must be stopped within one week and the affected roads must be properly dressed, leveled, and fully restored before the onset of the monsoon.

• In cases where permissions have already been granted but work has not commenced, such road cutting will not be allowed during the restricted period unless declared emergent and approved by the Commissioner, MCC.

• Any extension of time limit for already granted road cutting permissions during this monsoon period will be considered only with justification and shall be approved at the level of the Executive Engineer, MCC.

The Municipal Corporation urges all concerned departments, contractors, and stakeholders to comply with these instructions in the interest of public safety and to maintain the city’s infrastructure during the monsoon season.

Chandigarh:

In view of the weather forecast issued by the Meteorological Department indicating possible rainfall and storm conditions in the coming days, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has issued a precautionary advisory for all residents and visitors of the city.

While speaking about the advisory, Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, MC Commissioner said here today that to ensure public safety and prevent damage to life and property, the following guidelines are hereby issued:

• Avoid parking vehicles under heavy, overgrown, or old trees during adverse weather conditions.

• Refrain from standing or taking shelter under trees, particularly those that appear aged or structurally weak, during rain or strong winds.

• Limit travel and pedestrian movement along tree-lined roads during heavy rain or stormy conditions, unless absolutely necessary.

• Do not touch electric poles, streetlights, or park light fixtures as these may pose serious risks of electrocution during or after rainfall.

• Maintain a safe distance from both trees and electrical installations throughout the period of inclement weather.

He appealed to all citizens to exercise caution and cooperate fully in ensuring their own safety and that of others. These measures are being implemented in the collective interest of public safety and the protection of city infrastructure.

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh remains committed to maintaining a Clean, Green, and Safe City Beautiful and solicits the continued support of its residents in this endeavor.

For updates or in case of emergency, citizens are advised to stay in touch with official channels and helpline numbers.

Chandigarh:

In anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season, the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS called a review  meeting of 18 special flood control teams here today. The MCC has also operationalized 7 flood/water-logging control rooms across the city.

These arrangements will be in force from June 20 to September 30, 2025, to ensure swift response and redressal of water-logging and rain-related emergencies.

Each control room will function 24×7 with designated teams working in three shifts. Citizens can lodge complaints regarding water-logging through the dedicated control room phone numbers.

Control Room Details and Contact Numbers:

• Sector 11 Fire Station – Covers Sectors 1–6, 11–12, Dhanas, Sarangpur, Khuda areas

 0172-2747820

• Sector 38 Fire Station – Covers Sectors 36–42, Dadumajra, Maloya, Butrela

 0172-2690523

• Sector 17 Fire Station – Covers Sectors 9,10,15–18, 21–24

 0172-2703507

• Industrial Area Phase-I Fire Station – Covers Sectors 20, 28–30, Raipur, Dariya

 0172-2655816

• Industrial Area Phase-II Fire Station – Covers Sectors 31, 47–50, Hallomajra

 0172-2642611

• Sector 32 Fire Station – Covers Sectors 32–35, 43–46, 51–52, 61

 0172-2648610

• Manimajra Fire Station – Covers Manimajra, IT Park, Kishangarh, Mauli Jagran, Sectors 7–8, 19, 26–27

 0172-2734656

Each control room has dedicated field teams including Field Managers (FM), Multi-Task Workers (MTW), and Public Health officials. The Public Health Officer will serve as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) in each control room, coordinating across departments.

Special Measures and Department Roles:

• 18 emergency response teams comprising officials from Public Health, B&R, Horticulture, MOH, Electrical, and Fire Department have been stationed in key sectors of the city.

• 5 water tankers with drivers will be available round-the-clock.

• Fire department personnel trained in disaster management will be stationed strategically for emergency handling.

• Barricading at collapse sites will be handled by the B&R wing.

• No casual or earned leave will be granted to staff during the monsoon period.

• All departments have been instructed to ensure immediate emergency response and provide necessary manpower from their current strength.

• Two enforcement vehicles will be provided at each control room for mobility.

The Municipal Corporation urges citizens to cooperate during monsoons and report water-logging issues promptly using the dedicated numbers for swift redressal.

Chandigarh:

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today carried out a special anti encroachment drive in the Industrial Area, Phase 1, particularly in the MW Kabri Market, to address unauthorized encroachments.

Following the directions of MC Commissioner Sh Amit Kumar, IAS, the enforcement team carried out inspections and took immediate action against violators obstructing public spaces and roads. A total of 27 challans were issued on the spot for various violations related to illegal encroachments.

The drive aims to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, maintain cleanliness, and uphold civic order in commercial and industrial zones. The Municipal Corporation reiterates its commitment to keeping public areas free from unauthorized occupation and urges all shopkeepers and vendors to comply with the regulations.

Further drives will continue across different parts of the city to ensure strict enforcement. The public is also encouraged to cooperate and support the civic body in its ongoing efforts.

Chandigarh, June 28, 2025:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), continuing its relentless drive against corruption, today apprehended Vikas Jindal, Clerk posted at the office of District Education Officer (Elementary), Malerkotla, red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000 from a teacher.

According to an official spokesperson of the VB, the accused clerk had demanded Rs. 30,000 from a complainant of village Bagrian, district Malerkotla in lieu of for processing his pending allowances in the DEO office. The complainant has alleged to the VB that said clerk had already taken Rs. 10,000 from him and demanding the remaining amount.

He further informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint a VB team from Patiala range laid a trap during which the accused clerk was nabbed while he was taking Rs 20000 as a second instalment of bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses and the tainted bribe money has been recovered on the spot.

In this regard a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at VB Police Station Patiala Range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation is underway, he said. 

With a view to weed out the corrupt practices in the public offices, the VB has appealed to the public to report any instances of corruption through its helpline numbers or official channels and assured complete confidentiality would be maintained in such matters.

Chandigarh, June 28:

The Punjab Government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is tirelessly working for the welfare and upliftment of every section of society. In particular, dedicated initiatives are being undertaken to bring students from Scheduled Castes into the mainstream by providing them better educational opportunities.

Giving further details, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that a budget provision of ₹245 crore has been made under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students in the financial year 2025-26. The government has set a target to cover 2.70 lakh Scheduled Caste students under this scheme during the year.

She said this initiative would significantly help in improving the socio-economic standard of these students and enable them to lead self-reliant lives through education.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further added that in the previous financial year, the Punjab Government had covered 2,36,575 students under the scheme, disbursing ₹266.57 crore as the state’s share.

To facilitate applications, the Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship Portal will be opened shortly for online submissions, she informed. Besides this, awareness camps will also be organized at the district level to ensure that eligible students are well-informed about the scheme and avail its benefits without difficulty.

The Cabinet Minister emphasized that the Punjab Government is committed to supporting every eligible Scheduled Caste student through this scholarship so that no talented student is deprived of education due to financial constraints. She said, “It is our sincere effort to ensure that children belonging to communities historically subjected to discrimination get fair and equal opportunities to pursue higher education.”

Dr. Baljit Kaur also highlighted that over the years, thousands of SC students have successfully completed their higher education under this scheme and today hold prestigious positions in government services, private jobs, and have even started their own businesses.

She directed the concerned officials to ensure that the benefits of the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme reach every deserving student and stressed that the scheme should be implemented with complete transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness.