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Spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat” showcases in Telangana Foundation Day Celebration at Punjab Raj Bhawan

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IEP Chandigarh, June 2

Fostering the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat” (One India, Great India), the Telangana Foundation Day was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm at Punjab Raj Bhawan. 

The event organized jointly by Punjab Raj Bhawan and the Administration  of  UT, Chandigarh, served as a platform to celebrate the oneness of India and the harmonious coexistence of different cultures.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh Banwari Lal Purohit, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh emphasized the significance of promoting cultural exchange and fostering harmonious coexistence. He said that the strength of our country lies in its unity, where each state contributes to the rich fabric of our collective identity.

He said that Telangana is the youngest state in the country. The formation of Telangana marked a historic moment in our country’s journey towards decentralization and inclusive governance. He added that Telangana is a state where traditions and customs blend seamlessly with modernity. The region is known for its Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb culture (Hindu-Muslim culture being practiced together).

The evening unfolded with a vibrant cultural extravaganza that showcased the rich heritage of Telangana through mesmerizing dance performances and melodious music. The attendees were captivated by the graceful movements of the traditional folk dances, such as Gussadi and Lambadi, which resonated with the soul of Telangana. The melodies of the classical Carnatic music and the energetic beats of the dappu drum enthralled the audience, filling the air with an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Mr. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Arun Sood, President, BJP, Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India and Mr. Dharam Pal, Adviser to Administrator, UT, Chandigarh.

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NHRC notices to the Union Health & Family Welfare Ministry, FSSAI, and the Drugs Controller General of India over the reported production of spurious drugs in the name of food supplements by nutraceutical companies in Himachal Pradesh

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New Delhi, June 2

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that the Baddi Industrial area of Solan in Himachal Pradesh has become a production hub of spurious vitamins, syrups, and drugs in the name of food supplements by the nutraceutical companies. Reportedly, there are more than 100 nutraceutical companies active in the area, which have the license to produce only food products under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.  Hence, these are beyond the purview of the Drug Controller General of India and the State Food Safety Department. The companies are taking advantage of the lack of coordination between the government departments.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue relating to the right to life of the people due to an apparent lack of coordination and apathy on the part of the government departments.   Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Chairperson, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the Drugs Controller General of India calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. 

The reports should include the present status of the implementation of the relevant laws to check the supply and sale of spurious drugs in the State of Himachal Pradesh by the nutraceutical companies in the name of producing vitamins and supplements etc.

According to the media report, carried on 30th May, 2023 five companies have been sealed, out of which three companies had licenses to produce food items and according to the law they cannot produce allopathic medicines.  Till the year 2006, all the nutraceutical companies were within the ambit of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and the Food Safety Department of the State was the authority to test the samples, conduct investigations and issue the licenses but when the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 came into existence, all the powers were shifted to the central agencies.

Reportedly, the licenses of these companies are granted by the FSSAI under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, which manages to visit Himachal Pradesh for checking the samples hardly once or twice a year only if any complaint is received.  Neither the Drug Controller nor the Food Supply Department of the State can conduct tests on the samples of the drugs and inquiries against these companies.

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WILL ENSURE ZERO-TOLRANCE AGAINST CORRUPTION IN MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS AND COUNCILS- BALKAR SINGH

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Chandigarh/Jalandhar, JUNE 1

          Punjab Local Bodies Minister Balkar Singh today asserted that zero-tolerance policy would strictly be followed across all municipal corporations and municipal councils in the state so that a smooth and corruption-free administration could be ensured across all local bodies in Punjab.

          Accompanied by Member Parliament Sushil Kumar Rinku, MLA Raman Arora, Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma, the minister while addressing a press conference here at local circuit house said that special emphasis would be laid on the availability of basic amenities in the city so that people can avail the benefit of portable drinking water, cleanliness, better road infrastructure, lighting, etc. He said that people of Jalandhar have expressed their faith in Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state government by making Sushil Kumar Rinku win with thumping majority in Lok Sabha bye-polls; now it is our duty to fulfill the aspirations of people of Jalandhar by making this city one of the leading cities of the state. He also mentioned that a slew of special projects would be launched in Jalandhar to further put development of this city on a high-growth trajectory adding that it would be visible to everybody soon as government is all set to launch major projects for Jalandhar city.

          Earlier, a contingent of Punjab Police accorded guard of honor to Cabinet Minister on his arrival in the city while district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma welcomed the minister at local circuit house.

          Speaking on the occasion, Member Parliament Sushil Kumar Rinku said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state government has given Jalandhar District ministerial birth in the Punjab Cabinet, which would further give impetus to the development of this city. He congratulated Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh on his induction as minister and expressed hope that he will fulfill the aspirations of people of Jalandhar.

          Prominent amongst others present of the occasion included Chiarperson Punjab State Containor and Wharehousing Corporation Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Chairman District Planning Board Amritpal Singh, AAP Leaders Surinder Singh Sodhi, Dinesh Dhall, and Mohinder Bhagat.

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1150 office bearers of Aam Aadmi Party took oath in the state level swearing in ceremony

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Karnal / Chandigarh June 1

All the office bearers of Aam Aadmi Party took part in the oath taking ceremony on Thursday at Dr. Mangalsen Auditorium located at Ambedkar Chowk, Karnal. National General Secretary (Organization) Dr. Sandeep Pathak administered the oath to all the office bearers. Earlier, he infused enthusiasm among the workers. During this, 1150 office bearers took oath. State President of Aam Aadmi Party and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sushil Gupta, Senior Vice President Anurag Dhanda, Chairman of Campaign Committee Dr. Ashok Tanwar and National Joint Secretary Chaudhary Nirmal Singh and all the office bearers of the entire state participated in the swearing-in ceremony. Apart from these, Vice President Balbir Singh Saini, Banta Ram Valmiki, Chitra Sarwara and all office bearers from the district level of Aam Aadmi Party Haryana reached.

National General Secretary (Organization) Dr. Sandeep Pathak while addressing the office bearers from all over the state said that despite having less resources, you have chosen the Aam Aadmi Party, congratulations to you. He said that Kejriwal also came from a humble background. The whole system told him that if he has guts then contest elections and change the system and he did it first in Delhi and now in Punjab. He said that you give me your time till the elections, I will give it by forming the Aam Aadmi Party government in Haryana. He said that Haryana is the land of Mahabharata. There will be no more pleadings, we are here for battle. We will go for life, victory or death. Now the Aam Aadmi Party government will be formed here too.

As soon as the Aam Aadmi Party government is formed, every village will get 24 hours free electricity, “He added. There are no schools in Haryana for children to study. Similar is the condition of hospitals. The posts of 6000 doctors are vacant in the hospitals of Haryana. Politicians get treatment done in five star hospitals. They are not concerned with the treatment of the common man.

 He said that if Chief Minister Khattar comes out of Adani’s lap, then do some work. The Khattar government is engaged in promoting the capitalists. Teachers, doctors, sarpanch and anganwadi workers are all on strike in the state. More than 25 lakh youth are unemployed in Haryana. When good works can be done in Delhi, can be done in Punjab then why can’t good works be done in Haryana. Aam Aadmi Party implemented OPS in Punjab.

 He said that before the daughters wrestlers sitting at Jantar Mantar, they are our sisters and daughters. We will avenge the insult of our sisters. Won’t forget and won’t let you forget. He said that Congress and BJP looted Haryana fiercely. Congress for 25 years whereas BJP has completed 8 years. Both the parties looted heavily. According to the CAG report, corruption of Rs 11 lakh crore was done by both the parties.

He told all the office bearers not to run after position, money and prestige. Every worker will fight to pay the price of this soil. Believe in yourself, the Aam Aadmi Party government will be formed in Haryana. To form the government of the Aam Aadmi Party, I need fearless workers.

He said that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann are coming to Jind on 8th June. The Aam Aadmi Party will start the 2024 battle from there itself. After this the block incharge level organization will be announced. He told all the office bearers that the deserving person will have to be elected. After this circle incharge will be appointed. After the circle incharge, a committee of 11 people will be formed in every village. We will start campaigning for the election with double strength.

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Exercise, yoga and medication can control diabetes: Dr Geeta Joshi

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IEP Chandigarh

Dr Geeta Joshi, an Ayurveda expert, said that Diabetes has become a major health problem worldwide, almost an epidemic. A major reason behind the sudden increase of diabetes is the changes in diet and lifestyle. Apart from the direct problems and risks posed by diabetes, there are many associated complications that are the indirect outcome of diabetes. It is a big trigger for cardiovascular disorders including heart attacks. 

India has a huge burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with diabetes and hypertension being the major medical problems. According to a NATHEALTH Report, NCDs will cost India $ 6 trillion by 2030. 

A diabetic person is more prone to develop a heart disease or get a heart attack or stroke, as diabetes causes damage to blood vessels. Diabetics are unable to process insulin properly, a hormone made by the pancreas that allows the body to use glucose from carbohydrates for energy or to store glucose for future use. Insulin helps keep the blood sugar level from getting too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). 

If there is little or no insulin being produced or if the body becomes resistant to insulin, the glucose stays in the bloodstream and can’t move across to the body’s cells.

Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart and its blood vessels. If one is diabetic for a long time, he/she is at a greater risk of developing heart disease. Diabetic people tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than people without diabetes. Diabetic adults face heart disease and stroke as the most common causes of death, and also are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke as people without diabetes.

Being overweight is directly linked to several risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure, the main triggers for heart problems. So it is essential to maintain a healthy weight, appropriate for your age, height and gender.

Along with having a balanced nutritious diet, it is equally important to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and making physical activity like jogging, running or yoga a must part of daily routine. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Besides this, it is also advisable to get regular health check-ups done and keep an eye on the sugar levels.

For the treatment of coronary heart diseases, it is strongly recommended that all people with diabetes must have their heart disease risk factors checked as aggressively and routinely as people who have already had heart attacks. 

People with diabetes and signs of coronary heart disease are also advised to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy and balanced diet and also incorporating physical activity into their day to day activities. Some patients may also be prescribed to some kind of medication such as; ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, statins and a low dose of aspirin.

Eat the right foods

  • Eat more healthy carbs, which include whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Healthy carbs are digested slowly, helping you feel full for longer and keeping blood sugar and insulin levels stable.
  • Avoid unhealthy carbs such as white flour, refined sugar and white rice that have been stripped of all bran, fibre and nutrients. They digest quickly and spike sugar levels.
  • It is better to eat a mixture of millets such as jowar, bajra and ragi along with wheat. Try alternate foods like amaranth seeds and quinoa. They all are rich in fiber and have high content of minerals.
  • Add high-quality protein to your diet
  • Adults should aim for 1 gram of lean protein for each kilogram of weight.
  • Replace red meat with fish, chicken.
  • Vegetarians can opt for low fat dairy products, whole pulses, beans, soya and mixed whole grains.
  • Egg whites are a good source of lean proteins.

Eat healthy fats

  • Coconut oil, nuts and seeds, extra-virgin olive oil, mustard oil, desi ghee and butter are good sources of healthy fat. Eating healthy fats helps burn fat by speeding up your metabolism.

Go for vegetables

  • Most fruits and vegetables are high in fibre and nutrient dense, but low in calories making them ideal for diabetics who often need to watch their calorie intake. The general rule for diabetics is that root vegetables should be eaten in moderation, while green and red vegetables are great choices. Green leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach and broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower are good too.
  • Red vegetables are good for diabetics. A high intake of magnesium has been linked to a lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes as well as increased insulin sensitivity. Magnesium rich vegetables, including black beans, spinach, okra, broccoli and peas should be eaten regularly.

Lot of fruits

  • Cherries, grapefruit, prunes, apricots, apple, peach, guava and oranges do not cause a spike in blood sugar level.

2. How much to eat

  • This depends upon your body weight, age and physical activity. Make sure that your body mass index (BMI) lies within the range of 18.5 – 22.9. BMI is equal to weight in kg / height in meters square. It is best to take advice from a qualified dietician as to how many calories you require per day.

3. Add these herbs and spices to your diet

  • Cinnamon: Helps keep insulin stable so blood sugar stays controlled. Add half to 1tsp cinnamon to your morning tea.
  • Apple cider vinegar: It may lower blood sugar levels; use it as salad dressing.
  • Amla: It is low-sugar and fibre -rich fruit. It stimulates a group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin, thereby reducing the blood sugar level in diabetic patients.
  • Fenugreek seeds: These increase production of bile acids and subsequently reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. They also help in lowering blood sugar levels.
  • Chia seeds: These are tiny dark, nutty-flavoured seeds that are rich in nutrients like healthy fats, fibre and antioxidants.
  • Gum (gond katira): This soluble fibre prevents and delays absorption of simple sugars from the gut. It gives one a feeling of fullness.

4. Time your meals

  • Make sure you eat regularly: Have breakfast, lunch and dinner and have two snacks in between. Make sure you eat at regular rhythms and regular times to keep your hormonal clock in balance. Eat dinner at least three hours before sleeping.

5. Say no to artificial sweeteners

  • Avoid use of artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, saccharin, aspartame and acesulfame potassium instead of sugar as most of them have been linked to cancer in animals. As artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar, they tend to make you crave sugar more. Instead, if you use one teaspoon sugar, it will only add 20 calories and you will be able avoid all the harmful side effects.

6. Exercise regularly

  • Get started with a regular routine of exercise and moving your body. It makes your cells and muscles more sensitive to insulin so you don’t need as much.
  • Exercise for 30 minutes daily.
  • Walk at least 10 to 15 minutes after meals
  • Sleep well, drain out stress

Get at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep every day .Your digestive organs are replenished and restored and your hormones are balanced while you are sleeping.

Stress makes you fat and you tend to overeat and relaxation makes you thin. When you’re stressed, your cortisol level goes up. You feel hungry and your blood sugar and insulin levels rise.

Find something that helps you taper down stress — yoga, meditation, deep breathing….

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Nutritional and Health benefits of Millets

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IEP Chandigarh

Dr Geeta Joshi, an Ayurveda expert said that Millets are known as “Nutri-cereals” due to their high nutritional content like proteins, fibre, micronutrients and phytochemicals.

Type of Millets: 

Pearl Millets (Bajra): widely grown in India. Helps in controlling Type 2 Diabetes. 

Finger millet (Ragi): is rich in calcium, protein and iron. It’s famous in the Southern part of India. It has antioxidant properties and helps in Type 2 Diabetes. 

Foxtail millet: it is a good source of dietary fibre and minerals like copper and iron. It has a low glycemic index and is rich in antioxidants. It helps in controlling cholesterol.

Kodo Millets: rich in polyphenols and has antioxidant properties. 

Sorghum (Jowar): a rich source of calcium and magnesium for improving bone health. It improves blood circulation. 

Little Millets: rich in iron and helps in Type 2 Diabetes. It is beneficial for digestive issues. 

Barnyard Millets: rich in iron, calcium and phosphorus. It has a low glycemic index and is beneficial in Type 2 Diabetes

Health benefits of Millets:

Millets are easily available and easy to store. 

They are gluten-free, ideal for Celiac disease. It aids in weight loss.

It has a low glycemic index, is beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels and therefore controls diabetes, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia.

It acts as a prebiotic to feed important microflora and help in improving overall gut health and easy to digest.

Army plans millet fest to raise awareness about crop among all ranks

As part of its initiative to raise awareness among all ranks and families about benefits of millets in diet, the Northern Command of the Indian Army is mulling to organize a mega ‘Station Millet Festival’ in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman.

The festival will be organized in near future as a culmination of an awareness campaign started by the command with the holding of a workshop at the northern command headquarters in Udhampur, the spokesman said.

He said the awareness workshop on ‘Mission Millets’ was conducted in collaboration with the Jammu University and was presided by Chief of Staff, Headquarters Northern Command, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta.

The Northern Command is also planning various other events as part of ‘Mission Millet’ campaign to include essay, quiz and slogan competition at school level and cooking competition at unit level.

The spokesman said millets are not just a nutritious grain, but also a reminder of the “rich agricultural heritage of India” .

“To harness the untapped potential of millets for food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture, the year 2023 has been declared as ‘International Year of Millets’. The Northern Command has undertaken a noble initiative to raise awareness among all ranks and families highlighting benefits of including millets in diet,” he said.

On the initiative of PM Narendra Modi, the United Nations has declared this year as the ‘Millet Year’ which is being supported by 22 countries of the world. Agencies

Keeps blood glucose level in check – Millets have several key benefits that set them apart from wheat and maize. They are high in nutrients, gluten-free, and have a low glycaemic index. They can help stabilize blood sugar levels for diabetic patients and promote insulin sensitivity. In addition, millets are a good source of dietary fibre, proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Aids in weight loss – Including millets in your regular diet can help with weight loss, according to studies. Millets are a type of whole grain packed with nutrients and fibre, which can help promote fullness and prevent overeating. One study showed that people who swapped rice for millets lost more weight and had better gut health. If you’re trying to lose weight, consider adding millets to your diet.

3. Friend of the heart – Millets are an excellent source of antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and total cholesterol and keep blood vessels healthy. These antioxidants play a crucial role in lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Fights out cancer cells – Millets, such as foxtail and proso varieties, are effective in inhibiting cancer cell growth. The phytochemicals in millets exhibit antiproliferative effects, lower the formation of cancer cells in the colon, breast, and liver, and don’t cause any damage to normal cells.

5. Improves digestion – The dietary fibre in millets helps improve the digestive system’s function. It can help with constipation, flatulence, bloating, cramping, and regularizing bowel function. It also helps improve the overall health of other vital organs like the liver and kidney and boosts the immune system.

6. Keeps you filled for longer – Carbohydrates such as rice and wheat are simple for the body to break down and process, often leaving a person feeling hungry soon after eating. It can lead people to turn to unhealthy eating habits to satisfy their hunger. Millets have a more complex structure and take longer for the body to break down, which can help keep people from unhealthy eating habits.

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People should strictly adhere to Covid-related “dos and don’ts” at public places: Dr Geeta Joshi

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IEP Chandigarh

According to medical bulletin, the daily count of Covid cases in the tricity increased from 114 to 128 on Saturday. Chandigarh reported 47 new cases, up from 27 on the previous day, and Panchkula reported 54 new infections, up from 50 on the previous day. In contrast, number of cases in Mohali decreased from 37 to 27. Currently, there are a total of 857 active cases in tricity, comprising of 310 cases in Mohali, 308 in Panchkula, and 239 cases in Chandigarh. Most of the patients are under home isolation, with only a small number requiring hospitalisation.

Moreover, Dr Geeta Joshi, an Ayurveda expert said that people should strictly adhere to Covid-related “dos and don’ts” at public places which include wearing masks in crowded areas and closed settings as well.

There has been a spurt in Covid cases in UT during recent days” and it has become imperative to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour in crowded places.

The UT administration has advocated preventive steps in Chandigarh to curtail transmission of the infection.

          which include wearing masks in crowded areas and closed settings as well.

If a person tests Covid positive, he/she must self-isolate for seven days and in case of complication must report to a nearest health facility, Dr Joshi added.

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Gita’s message of world peace, love and brotherhood, need of the hour for every human: Chief Minister

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IEP Chandigarh, April 28

With the endeavours of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal to take the universal knowledge of Shrimad Bhagwad Gita to every nook and corner of the world, International Gita Mahotsav is being celebrated in Australia this time.Addressing virtually at the opening ceremony of the International Gita Mahotsav at the Federal Parliament, Canberra, Australia today, the Chief Minister said that at present when the whole world is facing war, terrorism, violence and tension; the message of world peace, love and brotherhood given in Gita is the need of the hour for every human being.“It is a matter of pride for all of us, especially the residents of Haryana, that the International Gita Mahotsav has been organized in Australia with the joint efforts of voluntary organizations of Australia and Kurukshetra Development Board,” he added.Sh. Manohar Lal said that Gita is such a supernatural light, which is beyond time, country and boundaries, which is eternal, universal and everlasting. “As Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi says that Shrimad Bhagwad Gita is meaningful for various aspects of life; under his guidance, the Haryana government is making efforts to take the knowledge of Gita to every nook and corner of the world,” he said.A delegation led by Haryana Home and Health Minister, Sh. Anil Vij has gone to Australia to participate in the International Gita Mahotsav. The delegation includes Gita Manishi Swami Sh. Gyananand Maharaj and Panipat MLA Mahipal Dhanda.Sh. Manohar Lal said that he is proud of being the Chief Minister of the state, where Lord Krishna had given the immortal message of Karma Yoga through Gita, 5160 years ago; on the holy land of Kurukshetra.Extending best wishes for this event, he said that the faith, devotion and enthusiasm shown by the people of Australia towards Gita in the International Gita Mahotsav cannot be described in words. He also invited them to visit Kurukshetra, the holy land of Gita.The Chief Minister said that Gita inspires people to perform their duty properly, do virtuous deeds and follow social systems. He said that the solution to all the problems is there in Shrimad Bhagwad Gita. “In the message of Lord Shri Krishna in Gita, measures have been given to create an elevated society. With its lesson and use, we can create such a society, where every person can be happy and an ordinary man can become an outstanding person by its recitation and conduct,” he added.

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Government presents misleading figures of loan and budget to hide the real situation from the public: Hooda

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IEP Chandigarh

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has stated that the government is deliberately presenting roundabout and misleading figures regarding the budget and debt so that the public does not get to know the real situation. 

Addressing a press conference today, Hooda challenged the claims of the government through figures and said there is a big contradiction in the figures presented by the government itself. “For example, in 2020-21, the government presented an estimated budget of Rs 1,55,645 crore. Later it was revised to 1,53,384 crores. The original budget was further reduced to 1,35,909 crores. Similarly, the estimated budget in 2022-23 was 1,77,235 crores, which was revised to 1,64,807 crores.

“If we talk about loans, in 2020-21, the government told that the state has a debt of Rs 2,27,697 crore. Whereas in the CAG report, the debt was stated to be Rs 2,79,967 crores and according to the RBI, this debt was Rs 2,62,331 crores. Similarly, in 2022-23, the government showed a debt of Rs 2,43,701 crore across the state, whereas according to the RBI, this debt was Rs 2,87,266 crore. That is, a difference of 44,513 crores was seen in the official data itself,” he pointed out.

“Similarly, when the CAG report will come, then more difference would be seen. In such a situation, it is very unfortunate that the Chief Minister accuses the Leader of the Opposition of presenting different loan figures, while the government itself seems to be deliberately entangled in the putting out different figures,” he said.

Hooda said he stands firm on his point even today. “The state has a debt of more than Rs 4 lakh crore, including internal debt and all liabilities as the government itself told in the budget of 2023-24 that the state has a debt of 2,85,885 crores. The CAG report stated liabilities of Rs 36,809 crore (by March 2022), which increases by 3000 to 4000 crore every year. Therefore, as of today, these liabilities are around 44,000 crores,” he stated. 

“Similarly, various departments of the Haryana government owe Rs 46,193 crore to discoms towards electricity bills and unpaid subsidies. As par report uploaded in e-paper business standard dated 26.09.21 as data complied by Ministry of power GOI. This is more liability than all the states in the country. State Public Enterprises have a debt of Rs 47,211 crore. (As stated by hon’able cm in aasembly.)By including all kinds of liabilities on Haryana, the total loan on the state comes to Rs 4,23,229 crore,” he added.

“This is why the Congress is repeatedly demanding a white paper from the government. In this, the total internal debt of the state, public account deposits (small savings), debt taken by public enterprises, additional liabilities (payable by the government to all service providers and suppliers) till March 31, 2023 should be mentioned,” he pointed out.

The former Chief Minister pointed out that the debt figures on the state are also worrying because the debt burden on the state has increased by 4 times from 2014-15 to 2022-23, while the SGDP has increased by only 2.1 times during this period. We have a problem because the growth rate of loans is more than the economic growth rate of the state,” he stated.

Hooda also mentioned that the fiscal deficit of the state is also increasing continuously. “It was 2.07% of SGDP in 2013-14 which has increased to 3.29% in 2022-23. In actual expenditure it may increase up to 3.35%. Similarly, the ratio of debt to GSDP is also worrying as it has gone up from 15.1% in 2013-14, to 25.78% by 2022-23 and it rises to 32.47%, if revised state debt, public account deposits (small savings) and state guaranteed loans are also added, 

The government figures themselves show that the government does not even have a budget to meet its daily expenses, because the budget of 2023-24 shows that the government has a total income of Rs 1,09,122 crore, while the expenditure is ₹1,26,071 crore, showing that there is a revenue deficit of Rs 16,949 crore. 

He also pointed out that the expenditure on payment of internal debt is also increasing continuously. The government is estimating to take a debt of Rs 64,840 crore in 2023-24, whereas Rs 56,470 crore (principal- 35,220 crore + interest- 21,250 crore) is to be spent on debt servicing. That is, out of the total loan with the government, only Rs 8,370 crore is left for the expenditure.

Hooda pointed out that In the budget, the government has also exaggerated the figures of capital income. For example, in 2019-20, capital income was shown as Rs 1778 crore, while the government received only Rs 54 crore. Similarly, in 2020-21, the government showed an estimated income of Rs 3750 crore, but the government received only Rs 63 crore. 

The estimated income in 2021-22 was shown as Rs 5000 crore but the government received only Rs 67.5 crore. The government has shown an estimated capital income of Rs 5394 crore in 2022-23 and Rs 5200 crore in 2023-24. But looking at the past records, it can be guessed that it will hardly be 50-60 crores only. It is clear from this that the government has no money for capital development.

In his budget speech, the Chief Minister said that the government would spend Rs 57,879 crore, which is 31.5% of the total budget, on capital asset creation. Whereas, according to the government itself, Rs 35,220 crore will be spent on loan repayment and Rs 4,198 crore will be spent on loan and advance payments. That means only Rs 18,460 crore will be left with the government for creation of capital assets. Which is just 10% of the budget. In such a situation, the claim of 31.5% proves to be mere speculation.

Hooda said the government every time inflates the budget figures, which later come down to the revised and actual budget to mislead the public. For example, in 2022-23, the government presented an estimated budget of Rs 1,77,256 crore, which was later revised to Rs 1,64,807 crore. As the actual figures come, it will be further reduced, but the government tries to show the loan figures less every time. 

In 2022-23, the government had shown an internal debt of Rs 2,43,779 crore, which increased to Rs 2,56,265 crore in the revised budget, an increase of Rs 12,486 crore. Thus, the budget was shown in excess of Rs 24,932 crore, which is 14 per cent.

Around 15-18% inflated budget is presented by the current government every time. In the budget presented in 2015-16, the actual budget was 85% of the estimated budget. The actual budget for 2016-17 was just 83% of the estimated, 2017-18 just 82%, 2018-19 86%, 2019-20 83%, 2020-21 81.4% and 2021-22 86.63%.

Hooda also pointed out the contradictions in the Governor’s address as he informed that there has been an increase of 26.53 percent in GST collection and 22.47 percent increase in excise in 2022-23. “On the contrary, the income from tax in the budget was revised from 82,653 crores to 75,714 crores. In such a situation, it is beyond understanding that if the income of the state is increasing, then how is the tax collection decreasing in proportion to GSDP? How did the tax collection which was 8.1 per cent of GSDP in 2020-21 come down to 7.6 per cent in 2022-23? It appears that the government’s tax collection is being fudged or the GDP figures given by the government are messed up,” he pointed out.

The former Chief Minister said that the government has announced to spend Rs 20,340 crore on education, which is only 2% of the GDP, while the new education policy recommends spending 6%. “In such a situation, the announcement made by the government to open 11 new medical colleges seems only on paper. Similarly, the government has announced to spend Rs 9,647 crore on health services, which is only 5.2% of the budget. Whereas in the National Health Policy 2017, 8% expenditure on health services was recommended by the year 2020 only,” he said. 

Talking about the agriculture sector, the government has announced to spend Rs 7342 crore on it. “This is just 3.9% of the total budget while 60% of Haryana’s population is dependent on agriculture. It is unfair to spend less than 4% for such a large population,” he pointed out.

Hooda stated that the government has made airy claims regarding per capita income as the government has given per capita income of Rs 2,96,685 which brings the annual income of each family is Rs 14,83,425. “There are 30 lakh families in the state who directly depend on agriculture. The NSSO report states that the total income of farmer families does not exceed Rs 22,841 per month i.e. Rs 2,75,000 per annum. On the other hand, the government claims that 30 lakh families (whose income is less than 2.50 lakh) in the state are the beneficiaries of the Ayushman Yojana,” he said.  

“In such a situation, the claim of per capita income of Rs 2,96,685 does not fit on the ground. If the government wants to collect real income data, then it should collect district-wise details of per capita income,” he stated.

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Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute organises a two day “International conference on Autism Awareness and Neurodiversity’

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IEP Chandigarh

Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute organised a two day “International conference on Autism Awareness and Neurodiversity” to create awareness about Autism spectrum disorders among frontline health care workers, doctors, students and community.

Addressing the conference, Dr. Bhavneet Bharti, Director Principal, AIMS, Mohaligave insights into various myths associated with autism spectrum disorder, clarified the misconceptions with scientific literature and made a case for acceptance of neurodiversity in the community. Dr Jessica Bryan from University of Toronto shared her experience regarding use of social ABC approach in autism and clarified doubts of the delegates. DrPrahbhjotMalhi form PGIMER, Chandigarh highlighted the need for early diagnosis of autism in schools and clinics,and discussed the red flags and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Dr Nidhi Malhotra from AIMS, Mohali discussed the role of medications in the management of Autism and spoke about principles of pharmacotherapy, so the children receive tailor made medications when indicated, with best response and minimum side effects. Dr Sharmila Mukherjee enlightened the audience about the disability certification in Autism. On Day 2, Dr. Olaf from McMaster University, Canada apprised the delegates about the ICF framework and biopsychosocial approach in Autism. Parents of children with autsim shared their experience and journey. A Panel of Experts comprising of Madam MadhaviKataria, IAS, Director, Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab; Mohali; SAP, Mohali members: Dr. Sunil Mehta, Dr Jitender&DrPrabhjeet; Dr. Arun Singh and Dr. Jaskiran from RBSK, Dr. Kavita Das, Principal Saint John’s School, Chandigarh, Dr. Ekram Goyal from AIMS, Mohali; Dr. Sunita Seshadri from NIPCCD, Mohali deliberated upon various aspects of autism acceptance for a more inclusive community; role of RBSK and grassroot workers and came up with points for an action plan for Mohali District that shall be actualized in near future.

Moreover, to make people aware about World Autism Day, the district administration complex was illuminated with blue light. Mohali Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain said that every year World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed on April 02. Autism typically appears during the first three years of life. The three main areas affected in Persons with Autism are- Social relationships (Interaction with people), Communication (Speaking as well as understanding what others say) and Imagination (Presence of unusual and repetitive behaviour as well as interest).