CHANDIGARH, May 25:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 85th day, Punjab Police on Sunday arrested 158 drug smugglers and recovered 10.1 kg heroin, 1.3 kg opium and Rs 19040 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 13,449 in just 85 days.

          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 220 Police teams, comprising over 1700 police personnel, under the supervision of 98 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 445 locations across the state leading to the registration of 104 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 456 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 109 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, April 24:

In order to strengthen the second line of defence over more than 500 kilometre border in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday gave nod for recruiting 5500 jawans in the border wing of Punjab Home Guards.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister here at his official residence today.

Taking part in the meeting, the Chief Minister, in the wake of recent terrorist attack at Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir), underscored the need for setting up an effective second line of defence to check nefarious designs of forces inimical to the state. He said that 5500 jawans in the Border Wing of the Punjab Police will be deployed in the seven border districts of the state to enhance the security cover in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this proposal  to set up a second line of defence behind the BSF will help to latch on to any element that escapes the BSF net at the international border.

The Chief Minister said that considering the enormity of the task, the state government will certainly need assistance from the center for which he will soon meet the Union Home Minister. He said that the state has the manpower, courage and competence adding that for additional resources the Government of India (GoI) will be approached. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Police has the willingness, the experience and the professional competence to answer the need for such an impregnable fortress-wall to block any kind of invasion, open or disguised.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that apart from these 5500 Home Guards, more than 400 jawans will be recruited across the state. He said that these jawans will be deployed in Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is imperative to ensure the safety and security of the people on one hand and provide jobs to the youth on the other.

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has taken firm action to reinforce cleanliness and sanitation standards across the city.

Following the orders of MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, in line with the ongoing drive to prevent open burning of waste and dry leaves, the sanitation wing has issued five challans, each amounting to ₹6,701, to offenders at different locations, including:

• PGI Club, Sector-24

• SCO No. 2453, Sector-22/C

• ISBT, Sector-17

• Shed No. 01, HB-232, Sarangpur

• H.No. 3118, Sector-15/D

A total penalty of ₹33,505 has been collected as part of this enforcement activity, carried out strictly as per the directions and orders of the Commissioner, MCC.

*Safaikarmacharis found absent from duty terminated:*

Furthermore, MCC has also terminated the services of six outsourced safaikaramcharis. This step was taken based on reports from field supervisory staff citing prolonged unauthorized absence, indiscipline, and unsatisfactory work performance. Such behavior negatively impacts the overall sanitation work and cannot be tolerated.

The Municipal Corporation remains committed to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for the citizens of Chandigarh. Residents are urged to cooperate with authorities and refrain from practices such as burning waste, which pose a serious threat to public health and the environment.

Strict monitoring and regular drives will continue to be conducted across the city to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, efficiency, and accountability.

CHANDIGARH, March 24:

Further empowering the education journey for the students of Government Schools in the state, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains dedicated a brand new bus, having 31 seating capacity, for Government Senior Secondary Smart School, Sukhsal in Ropar district.

SML Isuzu’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Rakesh Bhalla, presented the new bus to the school education department as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said that this generous initiative will greatly improve the school’s transportation capabilities, ensuring safe and comfortable travel for all students.

Reaffirming the commitment of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to elevate the standards of school education to world-class levels, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the school education department already possessed 230 buses and over 12,000 government school students have been availing the transportation facility. It reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting education, besides ensuring that all students have access to quality learning opportunities.

He said that the bus will play a vital role in facilitating student access to school, extracurricular activities, and educational excursions. This new transportation resource will ensure that students can readily participate in the enriching experiences, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant learning environment, he added.

Expressing happiness over receiving the new bus for school, Mr. Gurdeep Kumar Sharma, Principal of Government Senior Secondary Smart School, Sukhsal, expressed gratitude towards the Education Minister for his relentless efforts to ensure the quality education in government schools. He also highlighted the importance of the new bus and its positive impact on the students.

Chairman Punjab School Education Board Dr. Amarpal Singh, senior officials of school education department, SML Isuzu’s Secretary Mr. Parvesh Madan and Chief Manager Vivek Chanana were also present on the occasion.

Panchkula, 13 March 2025 – Kidney disease is a growing health concern in India, affecting over 13% of adults, with cases rising steadily. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes, yet most people remain unaware of their condition until it reaches an advanced stage. Early detection and preventive care play a crucial role in reducing the burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Simple lifestyle changes can help lower the risk, including regular health check-ups, especially for those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of CKD. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, limiting salt intake, keeping blood pressure and sugar levels under control, and staying physically active are essential to protecting kidney health.

Dr. Navjit Singh Sidhu, Director, Nephrology at Paras Health Panchkula, states, “Kidney disease is a silent killer, often detected too late. Routine check-ups and early diagnosis can prevent severe complications.” Dr. Air Cmd Gurwinder Singh Sethi, Director, Urology & Kidney Transplant Surgery, emphasizes, “A simple test can detect kidney dysfunction early, allowing timely intervention and better health outcomes.” Dr. Manish Singla, Director, Urology at Paras Health Panchkula, adds, “Ignoring kidney stones and obstructions can lead to severe complications. Timely evaluation and treatment are essential for maintaining kidney function.”

Access to affordable kidney care remains a challenge, particularly in underserved communities. Increasing awareness, promoting early diagnosis, and improving healthcare facilities are crucial steps toward better kidney health. On World Kidney Day, it is important to recognize the significance of kidney health and take proactive measures to prevent disease. By prioritizing awareness, early detection, and preventive care, we can work towards a healthier future for all.

Chandigarh, March 5

The Haryana Government has appointed link officers to ensure the smooth functioning of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) in the absence of its Secretary. The Director General/Director of the Human Resources Department has been designated as Link Officer-I, while the OSD of HSSC has been appointed as Link Officer-II.

The concerned officers are required to inform their respective link officers before proceeding on leave, training, tours, or election duty.

A formal communication regarding this appointment has been issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.

It is noteworthy that in cases where an official is on leave, undergoing training, on a tour, engaged in election duty for more than two days, or if a position becomes vacant due to retirement or transfer, the link officer takes over the responsibilities of that department, board, or corporation to ensure the continuity of operations.

Chandigarh, March 5

Haryana Social Justice, Empowerment, SCs and BCs Welfare and Antodaya (SEWA) Department Minister Sh.Krishan Kumar Bedi, stated that, One Nation, One Election, is one of the biggest needs of modern India. Under this, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Assembly elections can held simultaneously, which would ensure continuity in governance and reduce financial burdens as well. 

Sh. Bedi was speaking as the Chief Guest at a workshop on ‘One Nation, One Election’ organised at Kurukshetra University today. 

He said that elections are an essential part of democracy, and healthy and fair elections are its foundation. He said that frequent elections in different states throughout the year, not only disrupts administrative and policy decisions but also puts burden on the country’s treasury. To address these issues, policymakers have proposed conducting Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections simultaneously. 

Member Haryana State Law Commission, Sh. Inder Jeet Mehta Advocate, Sh. Vijaypal, State Convenor, One Nation One Election Committee, Chairman, 48 Kos Tirtha Monitoring Committee, Kurukshetra Development Board, Sh. Madan Mohan Chhabra, also emphasised the importance of One Nation One Election in their address.

Chandigarh, March 5-

After crossing the magic figure of 51,000 government jobs to the youth, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced that the state government will soon give 50,000 more jobs to youth thereby ensuring one lakh jobs to them.

Continuing ‘Mission Rozgar’ of his government by handing over appointment letters to 763 youth, the Chief Minister said that till now the state government has given 51,655 jobs to the youth in the state during the last three years. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today is a red letter day for these youth who have got jobs in Cooperation, Health and Family Welfare and Higher Education and Languages departments. He said that the state government has crossed the figure of giving 51,000 government jobs in a transparent manner to the youth adding that very soon the state government will cross the figure of one lakh government jobs to the youth.

The Chief Minister said that he wants to hand over tiffins in the hands of youth by giving them employment so that they shun the syringes and menace of other drugs. He said that as Idle hands are devil’s workshop, so the state government is trying its best to ensure that maximum youth get jobs so that they do not fall prey to the social menaces. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that unemployment is the root cause of several social problems due to which the state government is focusing on eradicating this malady.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government fills all the posts as soon as they are vacant in the department. He said that a foolproof mechanism has been adopted for the entire recruitment process due to which not even a single appointment out of these nearly 51,000 jobs have been challenged so far in any court. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a proud moment for the government of Punjab that these youth have been given government jobs completely on the basis of merit.

The Chief Minister said that it is a momentous occasion when these youth are becoming the part of the family of Punjab government. He expressed hope that these youth will become an active partner in the socio-economic development of the state by joining these respective departments. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time in the history of the state, any government has given a record number of more than 51,000 jobs to the youth in 36 months of coming into power.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, san any corruption or nepotism. He said that the state government is ensuring that no one from the state migrates abroad so that dreams of our freedom fighters are fulfilled. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government reverse migration is already being witnessed in the state and youth are returning from abroad to serve here.

The Chief Minister said that the incident of deporting of youth from the USA is an eye opener for all of us that instead of going abroad in search of green pastures, the youth of the state must work hard here only and achieve success in various fields. He said that the state government is already making concerted efforts to ensure that maximum opportunities are provided to youth so that they can excel in every arena of life. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the hard work of youth coupled with their dedication will provide them success in the coming days.

The Chief Minister said that the state Government has launched first of its kind initiative in the country, a dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force to ensure   enhanced security and to save precious lives on the state and  National Highways. He said that specially trained, freshly recruited 1597 personnel including girls are acting as the backbone to this force, who have been provided with the latest,   fully equipped  144 vehicles and since its launch in February last year the state has witnessed a 48.10% reduction in casualties due to accidents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that several other states and even the Government of India has hailed this out of the box initiative of the state government.

The Chief Minister said that health, education, power, water and infrastructure along with law and order are the top priorities of his government. He said that no stone is being left unturned to ensure the holistic development of the state and progress of its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the youth to discharge their duty with utmost professional commitment and use their pen wisely for serving the people.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Dr. Balbir Singh besides others were also present.

Chandigarh:

The India-UK Climate Action Summit: One Planet, One Family brought together thought leaders, policymakers, academicians, and industry experts to chart actionable solutions to combat climate change. British Deputy High Commissioner Caroline Rowett delivered the introductory remarks at the Summit.

Setting the context of the event, Caroline Rowett said, ‘Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today and it calls for urgent, collective efforts. The India-UK Climate Action Summit brings together leaders and experts in their fields to identify solutions to tackle climate change. This conference will serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, connecting global ambitions with practical, local solutions.’The event highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between countries, governments, continued development of green technology and increased investments in climate solutions as critical steps for a sustainable future. It underlines the importance of transitioning to sustainable practices, reducing carbon emissions and implementing adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems to mitigate the long-term impact of climate change.

Chandigarh, February 21

In a significant move to ensure humane treatment to animals, Punjab Government has announced the mandatory registration of all dog breeders and pet shops under the Pashu Bhalai Board Punjab

This decision was taken in the meeting of Pashu Bhalai Board Punjab  chaired by S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, at Livestock Complex, Sector-68, SAS Nagar (Mohali).

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the dog breeders and pet shops would be registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules 2016. The main objective of the move is to prevent cruelty against animals and promote responsible breeding practices in the state.

The Board will monitor and regulate the activities of breeders and pet shops, ensuring that they adhere to standards that promote the health and well-being of the animals. This includes ensuring that animals are not subjected to inhumane living conditions and are provided with adequate care, and are not overbred. It will encourage ethical practices in the marketing of pets including dogs and cats, he added.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also asked the Board members and officials concerned to educate the pet shop owners and breeders about proper animal care and welfare and rules. He emphasised that the transportation rules and rules for load limits on animals should be implemented by the concerned authorities immediately.

Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Rahul Bhandari, Director Dr. Gursharanjit Singh Bedi and Mr. Amit Chauhan, Smt. Sarbjit Kaur, Prem Singh Bath,  Surinder Singh Sidhu, Rajinder Lohatia and Narinder Ghagon attended the meeting as members of the Board.

The Animal Husbandry Minister also asked the Board members to take initiatives including organising lectures in schools and colleges to create awareness regarding animal rights and rules for prevention of cruelty against animals.