Chandigarh Court Postpones Hearing on Gurpreet Kaurs Defamation Case Until October 17
The Chandigarh court has postponed the hearing on Gurpreet Kaurs defamation complaint against several political figures until October 17. Chandigarh Court Postpones Hearing on Gurpreet Kaurs Defamation Case Until October 17
Astrologer Karan Sharma Honoured at Millennium Brilliance Awards 2026
New Delhi [India], September 16: Astrologer Karan Sharma from Chandigarh was honoured at the Millennium Brilliance Awards 2026 for his work in the field of Vedic astrology. He received the
Four arrested in Punjab; 27 kg heroin, foreign-made pistol seized
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 16 (IANS) Punjab Polices Counter Intelligence (CI), Amritsar, has foiled a cross-border smuggling module with the arrest of four people from whom 27 kg of heroin and one sophisticated foreign-made pistol along with three cartridges were recovered, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday. Those arrested have been identified as Vishal Singh, alias Shalu, Manpreet Singh, alias Sunny, and Smartpreet Singh, all three residents of Amritsar; and Karan Singh, a resident of Tarn Taran. Apart from recovering narcotics and weapons, police teams have also impounded their motorcycle and a car, which were being used for smuggling activities. DGP Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were operating in coordination with a Dubai-based operative and cross-border smugglers. After retrieving the consignments of drugs and illegal arms, the accused were to further supply them on the instructions of their handlers, he said. The DGP said the probe has also revealed that the arrested accused were using encrypted communication platforms to contact their handlers, apparently with the intention of evading detection by the police. Sharing operational details, he said that CI Amritsar teams had received specific information that suspects Vishal, Manpreet, Smartpreet and Karan had obtained a huge drone-dropped consignment of heroin and arms from the Indo-Pak border area of Attari, and were supposed to deliver the consignment to some other party in the area near Adda Khasa in Amritsar. Acting swiftly, police teams conducted a raid and intercepted them near the bus shelter at Khasa, he said, adding that during their search, 27 kg heroin and one sophisticated foreign-made .30 bore PX5 pistol along with three cartridges were recovered from their possession. The DGP said further investigation is underway to establish the linkages and identify all people involved in the smuggling network.
Punjab and Haryana HC seeks status report in Gulzar Singh suicide case
As per the index, released by NITI Aayog on Wednesday, Delhi improved its score from 77 to 84, followed by Maharashtra, which increased its score from 68 to 78 while maintaining second place. Karnataka emerged as the third-ranked top performer, moving up one position with a score of 73, overtaking Chandigarh, which slipped to fourth despite an increase in score from 65 to 71. Tamil Nadu, by contrast, slipped one place to sixth despite improving its score from 59 to 61, as fast-rising Goa moved ahead of it, it said.
Gulzar suicide puts Punjab AAP govt in spot ahead of polls
Punjab Congress Protests Against Finance Minister Cheema in Chandigarh
Congress leaders, led by Sachin Pilot, staged a protest in Chandigarh demanding the resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Cheema. Punjab Congress Protests Against Finance Minister Cheema in Chandigarh
5 years after Middukhra killing, Shaganpreet remains untraceable
Woman dies by suicide at workplace in Nalagarh
No power shortage despite 2 Ropar units down: Sond
Teen stabbed to death at Rohtak park on birthday
Punjab pension scheme to remain contributory, grants 4 months to review alternatives
SAD expels Brahmpura ahead of polls; he hits back over drug nexus
Teachers refuse duty to verify ration cards, Punjab govt agrees to spare them
War on drugs in final phase: Mann asks police to launch final assault
80% of Punjabs fields get canal water, says Mann, ensures 100% coverage
AAP invokes 1984 to hit back at Cong, Pilot for protest over Sangrur suicide
Saini orders ground checks of govt schemes
Man shoots nephew dead over land dispute
Man injured in firing over old rivalry in Ambala village
Hryana to spend Rs 42cr on 775 cameras to flag end-of-life vehicles at NCR pumps
Drug row: Labour front to hold Sawaal Sabha in Nabha on Sept 22
PU Senate poll: 1,500 staff, 281 booths, Rs 2cr bill
Mohalis garbage mess: Jagatpura dump turns into another civic failure
Delhi CM to flag off BJPs 2nd anti-drug yatra from Fatehgarh Sahib on Sept 19
Sukhbir asks people to distinguish between stooges and their own party
Complaints pour in but Pkl roads still riddled with potholes
Potholes put civic claims to test
Hooda, Selja and Surjewala to address key Congress meets from Sept 18-21
Cant sack without probe: HC orders reinstatement of former SPO after 26 years
8 people arrested, over 15 kg of drugs seized
Kishau pact: Haryana gains water, Himachal saves 2,000cr
Beneficiary states to bear Himachals Rs 2,000cr Kishau power liability
Aide of Lawrence Bishnoi deported from Canada, arrested at Delhi airport
Water cannons halt Pilot-led Punjab Cong march to Cheemas house
2 held, 6K narcotic pills seized in Yamunanagar
Pilots protest march unites divided Congress; no-CM-face plan endorsed
Never knowingly carried drugs: Pathankot parents seek help for son on death row in Saudi
The commission's three-day visit to Chandigarh from September 16-18 will focus on employee and pensioner issues. Here's a look at what's on the agenda for meetings with representatives from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and the UT of Chandigarh.
Teen girl donates stem cells to save brother battling leukemia
Chandigarh A 17-year-old girl donated her stem cells to give her 10-year-old brother a second chance at life after he The post Teen girl donates stem cells to save brother battling leukemia appeared first on Bilkul Online .
No immediate relief for suspended Punjab DIG Bhullar as SC indicates bail plea may be dismissed
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday indicated that it may dismiss the bail plea filed by Punjab Police's suspended Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a corruption case being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana adjourned the matter for four weeks after Bhullars counsel submitted that the complainant and a material witness had not yet been examined. During the hearing, Bhullars counsel also urged the top court to permit the examination of two shadow witnesses. The CJI-led Bench indicated that it would examine the bail plea after certain witnesses had been examined. Adjourning the hearing, CJI Surya Kant remarked: 100 per cent case of dismissal! You want to dismiss it now or later? The matter has now been directed to be listed on October 27. Bhullar has approached the apex court seeking regular bail in the corruption case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Supreme Court had earlier declined to grant him bail but granted him liberty to renew his plea before the Punjab and Haryana High Court if the trial did not commence within two months. The High Court had subsequently dismissed Bhullars second successive bail petition on August 10, observing that there had been no drastic or substantive change in circumstances since the dismissal of his previous bail plea. It had recorded that the trial had commenced, though no witness had been examined at that stage. A single-judge Bench of Justice Manish Batra had also rejected Bhullars contention that the CBI lacked jurisdiction to investigate the case, holding that the fact that he was posted in Punjab did not invalidate the CBI probe as he was an IPS officer working under the control of the Central government. It also observed that the petitioner and co-accused were arrested in Chandigarh and that a substantial part of the cause of action had taken place there. The case stems from a complaint submitted by businessman Akash Batta, alleging that Bhullar, then posted as DIG, Ropar Range, had demanded illegal gratification through co-accused Krishanu for taking no coercive steps against his business in a criminal case and for securing favourable treatment. According to the prosecution, conversations between Bhullar and Krishanu were recorded during discreet verification of the complaint. One such conversation allegedly revealed that Bhullar had instructed Krishanu to collect Rs 8 lakh from the complainant. A trap was laid at Chandigarh on October 16, 2025, during which Krishanu was allegedly apprehended while accepting Rs 5 lakh from the complainant as part of the gratification allegedly demanded by Bhullar. Bhullar was arrested on the same day. While refusing bail, the High Court observed that the allegations, along with the recorded conversations, verification report and trap proceedings, prima facie make out a case for demand of gratification, direction or collection of the part of the same through the co-accused Krishanu. It also held that the fact that no recovery had been effected from Bhullar was not of much substance since the co-accused had allegedly accepted Rs 5 lakh on his behalf. The High Court further observed that material witnesses were yet to be examined and that the apprehension of Bhullar influencing or intimidating them could not be ignored, keeping in view the position he had held in the police hierarchy. There exists a reasonable apprehension that he may attempt to influence witnesses, tamper with witness or otherwise obstruct the course of proceedings, the High Court had said, adding that it was not persuaded to exercise its discretion to grant bail. The High Court dismissed Bhullars second successive regular bail petition, even as he has remained in custody since October 16, 2025.
Led by Pilot, Punjab Congress leadership protests in Chandigarh against Finance Minister Cheema
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 15 (IANS) Led by the newly appointed All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary and in charge for Punjab, Sachin Pilot, the partys entire top leadership, sinking their differences after a long time, along with thousands of workers, marched on Tuesday towards the residence of Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, demanding his resignation for alleged abetment of the suicide of a Dalit, Gulzar Singh. However, the protestors were prevented from reaching Cheemas residence by a heavy contingent of police. Besides, the police also used water cannons to block the protestors from marching ahead. Several party workers, including senior leader Kuljit Nagra, were injured due to the heavy force of the water cannons. Speaking on the occasion, Pilot said the Congress had nothing personal against the Finance Minister. But he asked, doesnt the law demand registration of a first information report (FIR) followed by a detailed probe when a person has mentioned the ministers name in his dying declaration, he asked. Pilot said Gulzar Singhs suicide was reflective of what was happening in Punjab, much against the claims made by the Aam Aadmi Party. He said the situation is such that a poor Dalit had to pay with his life just because he raised a question about the free availability of drugs to which his son had fallen victim. He reminded the AAP that it had announced the appointment of a Dalit Deputy Chief Minister. What to speak of a Dalit Deputy CM, the Dalits like Gulzar Singh are forced to commit suicide under the AAP regime, he remarked. Reminding AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal of the claims he made before the elections that drugs would be finished within three months of forming the government, the Congress leader said that after about five years of AAP rule, now the chitta (synthetic drug) was so easily available that there was home delivery (of drugs). Expressing his gratitude to the party workers for mobilising in such huge numbers at short notice, Pilot assured each one of them that the Congress will always stand by them. He said he, as the representative of the party high command, will be at the forefront of every fight and struggle to get justice. He said he will not leave any stone unturned to restore the dignity and honour of each and every Congress worker. Senior Punjab leaders, comprising state President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, while speaking on the occasion, lashed out at the AAP government, saying it had proved to be the worst ever in the state. They said Bhagwant Mann had proved to be the most disastrous Chief Minister the state had.
Chandigarh University Aerospace Students to Develop Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Border Surveillance in Collaboration with Industry
Sachin Pilot, Partap Bajwa detained in Punjab protest over Dalit mans suicide, seek Cheemas removal
Water Cannons Used As Congress Protests Gulzar Singh
Congress demands Cheemas removal and independent probe as police stop Chandigarh march over Gulzar Singhs death.
Parents desperate plea: Save our son as Saudi death sentence leaves family shattered
Punjab Police nab Lawrence Bishnoi aide after deportation from Canada
Punjab Police take Bishnoi aide into custody at Delhi airport after deportation from Canada
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 15 (IANS) In another breakthrough against transnational organised crime, Punjab Polices Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has taken custody of Karamveer Singh, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, on his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi following his deportation from Canada. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said Karamveer Singh had provided logistical support and a hideout to Anmol Bishnoi in the US. He was wanted in the first information report (FIR) registered in Mohali under relevant sections of the IPC, the Arms Act and the Passport Act. A Look Out Circular (LOC) was initiated by AGTF Punjab on September 3. He said the accused has a criminal history involving cases related to murder, attempt to murder, robbery, extortion, Arms Act offences and other criminal activities. Further investigation is underway to uncover his wider criminal network and activities. Last week, the AGTF and Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC), with the assistance of Central agencies, secured the extradition of fugitive criminal Amritpal Singh, alias Amrit Dalam, a key operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, from Moldova. The accused is wanted in multiple cases of murders, attempt to murder, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, narcotic offences, etc. Amritpal Singh was detained by Moldovan authorities on February 24 while he was attempting to cross the Otaci state border towards Ukraine, following which, the extradition process against him was initiated through OFTEC Punjab. During these proceedings, the Court of Chisinau granted the extradition of Amritpal Singh to India on May 26. His appeal against the extradition order was also rejected by the Court of Appeal Centru on July 16, thereby making the extradition order final. The accused was taken into custody by the team of Punjab Police from Chisinau Airport in Moldova and arrived at the IGI Airport on September 12. This is the first-ever extradition secured by Punjab Police from a European country, marking a significant milestone in our fight against organised crime, the DGP had said, while adding the operation marks the successful culmination of Operation Eastern Reach -- a six-month-long intelligence-led international manhunt involving sustained surveillance, strategic intelligence gathering and close coordination with national and international agencies.
Haryana clears Rs 9,700cr road projects, including five bypasses
Haryana Congress chief slams BJP over Adampur temple demolition, seeks probe
J&K Bank proposes new director as Chhibbers term ends
Srinagar, Sep 14:Jammu and Kashmir Bank has amended the agenda for its 88th Annual General Meeting (AGM), proposing the appointment of Tsewang Tharchin, IA&AS, as a non-executive, non-independent director while also placing the retirement of existing director R. K. Chhibber before shareholders. The bank issued an addendum to its AGM notice on September 14, adding two agenda items to the meeting scheduled for September 22 at 11 am at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. Under the first resolution, shareholders will be asked to take note of Chhibbers retirement by rotation and approve a proposal not to fill the resulting vacancy at the ensuing AGM. The bank said the vacancy will subsequently be filled by the Board, subject to shareholders approval. The second resolution seeks shareholders approval for the appointment of Tsewang Tharchin as a director liable to retire by rotation. The bank said it received a written notice from the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh proposing Tharchins candidature for the directorship. Tharchin is currently serving as Commissioner/Secretary, Finance Department, UT of Ladakh. The banks disclosure said its Nomination and Remuneration Committee conducted due diligence on his candidature on August 29 and recommended his appointment. The Board subsequently appointed him as an Additional Director in the category of rotational directors on August 31 and recommended his appointment to shareholders. A 2007-batch officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS), Tharchin joined the Ladakh Administration as Commissioner Secretary, Finance Department, on July 6, 2026. Before that, he served as Accountant General (Audit), J&K, from November 6, 2025. He had earlier served as Deputy Accountant General and Senior Deputy Accountant General in J&K and handled government accounts-related responsibilities in Punjab and Chandigarh. His professional experience also includes a stint as Financial Advisor at the National Company Law Tribunal in New Delhi from 2021 to 2024, followed by his role as Principal Director in the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. His CAG assignments included processing audit reports relating to J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, besides the Ministry of Defence. The bank has also highlighted his international audit experience, including a performance audit of the Arbitration and Mediation Centre of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva on deputation to the United Nations. He was also part of UN-related audit assignments and led audits involving Indian diplomatic missions and public-sector entities in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The proposed director holds a BA from Kashmir University and a Diploma in Management from IGNOU. He is also a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), with experience spanning administration, finance, accountancy, information technology, human resources and business management. The bank said Tharchin will not receive sitting fees or other remuneration from J&K Bank as he is currently in full-time employment with the Government of Ladakh. His disclosed shareholding in the bank is nil. For shareholders, remote e-voting on the resolutions will begin on September 19 at 9 am and close on September 21 at 5 pm. The bank has clarified that all other items in the original AGM notice dated August 29 will remain unchanged. The addendum forms an integral part of the original AGM notice and has been issued to place the latest factual position before shareholders ahead of the September 22 meeting.
One more agitation: JKMSA demands PG stipend hike JKMSA demands PG stipend hike, seeks pay parity
Srinagar, Sep 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA) on Monday sought revision of stipends for postgraduate (PG) residents and remuneration of senior residents working in government medical institutions across J&K, citing a significant gap with leading medical institutions in the country. In a representation to the Minister for Health and Medical Education, the association extended its support to the demands raised by Resident Doctors Associations (RDAs) of Jammu and other institutions, calling for a comprehensive, rational and time-bound revision of the existing remuneration structure. The JKMSA said PG and senior residents form the backbone of patient care and clinical training and routinely provide services in emergency and casualty departments, OPDs, inpatient wards, ICUs, operating theatres, labour rooms and speciality services. According to the association, PG residents also undertake night duties, on-call services, procedures, emergency interventions, peri-operative care, clinical documentation, teaching and supervision. The representation highlighted remuneration disparities between J&K institutions and major government and apex medical institutions. It cited PG resident stipends at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) at approximately Rs 80,000 per month in the first year, Rs 85,000 in the second year and Rs 88,000Rs 90,000 in the third year, while senior residents receive around Rs 1.30 lakh or more per month. The association said senior resident remuneration at AIIMS Jammu is approximately Rs 1.40 lakh or more per month, while PG residents at Government Medical College, Chandigarh, receive more than Rs 1 lakh per month, with senior residents getting around Rs 1.40Rs 1.50 lakh. In comparison, the JKMSA listed the current remuneration at Government Medical College Jammu as Rs 64,000 per month for first-year PG residents, Rs 68,000 for second-year residents and Rs 72,000 for third-year residents, while senior residents receive Rs 94,000 per month. The association said the figures reflect a substantial remuneration differential and warranted an immediate review. The JKMSA also referred to the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023, notified by National Medical Commission (NMC), particularly Regulation 5.4, which provides for parity in stipends for postgraduate students with those being paid to PG students of State/Central Government medical institutions in the State or Union Territory where the institution is located. It urged the government to undertake a comprehensive assessment of PG stipends across GMC Jammu, GMC Srinagar, SKIMS, AIIMS Jammu and other government medical institutions in J&K and rectify disparities in accordance with applicable NMC requirements. The association said a revision would not only address resident welfare and equitable remuneration but would also help in recruitment and retention of qualified doctors, strengthen postgraduate medical education and ensure uninterrupted patient care. The JKMSA requested the government to formally review the applicable official orders and pay structures while taking a time-bound decision on the issue.
Retired IAS officer assaulted over parking dispute
22 medical stores raided in Hisar, 7 stocked dual-use drugs without records
CM Mann slams BJPs Nasha Mukt Yatra, says secure Gujarats Mundra Port first
Abohar vet murder: 3 held, family alleges threats from drug smugglers
708 big fish among 79,784 drug arrests under anti-drug drive: DGP
Mann felicitates Punjab Police team over Amrit Dalam extradition
Man killed after motorcycle hits construction machine near Kukrawala
BJP inducts Parkash Badals cousin, son ahead of 2027 Punjab polls
Yamunanagar steps up surveillance as dengue, malaria and swine flu cases rise
Fake turbans vs insult to Gurus: Mann, Saini trade barbs
Grenade attack behind Jalalabad police station blast; 2 held
H1N1 cases rise in Haryana, but statewide spread remains unclear
Both AAP, BJP interested in optics rather dismantling drug mafia: Bajwa
Pilot to lead Punjab Congress march to Cheemas residence today
Farmers body opposes parallel power licence, warns of indefinite stir
Nigeria national among 2 held after cocaine seizure in Fatehabad
HC orders demolition of Shimla municipal ward office on forest land
Drug raid in Sohna seizes codeine syrup, 520 sedative tablets
HP cantt body opposes new building bylaws, seeks clarity on civilian area transfer
Shimla Nagrik Sabha protests over stray animal menace, seeks permanent solution
Shimla police rescue four devotees lost in Churdhar forest
Govt depts owe PSPCL Rs 2,382 cr in power dues; water supply, local bodies top defaulters list
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Parkash Singh Badals cousin joins BJP ahead of 2027 assembly polls
80pc drugs coming from Pakistan eliminated, says Punjab CM
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 14 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Monday that while the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government is taking decisive action against gangsters and the drug menace, the Opposition is resorting to vulture politics by using every unfortunate incident to stay in the media spotlight instead of presenting a vision for the state. He added that 10 gangsters have been brought back to Punjab from abroad since January and nearly 80 per cent of the drugs coming from Pakistan have been eliminated following the state government's crackdown. The Chief Minister affirmed the state government will now tighten the noose on the supply coming from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, while taking direct aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the drug route and saying if the BJP takes care of the Mundra Port in Gujarat, the drug menace in Punjab will be almost eliminated. He also said the Congress and the Akali Dal, who urtured gangsters, have no right to speak on law and order, and called upon all three opposition parties to stop their dirty politics and present their vision for Punjab before the people. Calling out Opposition's vulture politics at a press meet, CM Mann noted, When you have no issue, you start feeding on every unfortunate incident. This is not politics of public service, this is 'vulture politics'. Punjab deserves better than this cheap politics. The Chief Minister said that instead of appreciating the Punjab government's sustained battle against drugs, gangsters and organised crime, the Opposition is deliberately trying to create fear and defame Punjab for narrow political gains. Punjab is not merely a border state but the gateway to the country and a gem of India. Any attempt to portray the entire state through the prism of isolated incidents is a deliberate attempt to malign Punjab and its people. CM Mann said his government had adopted a comprehensive roadmap to dismantle the nexus of drugs, gangsters and organised crime. Our (AAP government's) fight is not limited to making arrests. We are identifying networks, intercepting consignments, choking financial channels and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Punjab Police is working day and night and we have not allowed criminals to dictate the agenda of the state. Those involved in drugs and gang-related activities are being pursued relentlessly, irrespective of their political connections or influence, the Chief Minister added. Taking on the BJP over the issue of drug smuggling, CM Mann said that desperate attempts are being made to smuggle drugs into Punjab from across the 532-km border. The consignments being pushed into Punjab may be in small packets, but the BJP, especially the Union Home Minister (Amit Shah), should answer why tons of such consignments are available in BJP-ruled states. The Chief Minister said that Punjab Police have recovered a huge consignment of such drugs from the Mundra Port, which is in the native state of the Union Home Minister. The Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) is not able to check drugs in his own state and is planning to undertake an anti-drug yatra in Punjab, CM Mann added.
Punjab BJP leaders meet DGP for adequate security of Nasha Mukt Yatras
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 14 (IANS) With the objective of creating public awareness against drugs in Punjab and taking a resolve to make the state drug-free, Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise four Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras from September 18 to 30. In connection with these yatras, a delegation led by state President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Monday met the Director General of Police (DGP) and submitted a memorandum seeking adequate security and traffic arrangements along the entire route of the yatras. On the occasion, Dhillon said that Union Ministers, senior BJP leadership and other BJP leaders, besides a large number of party workers and members of the public, would participate in the yatras. Therefore, adequate security arrangements must be put in place along the entire route, including the starting and concluding points of the yatras. He said the yatras would commence from Sujanpur in Pathankot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka and Talwandi Sabo. Dhillon said on September 18, BJP national President Nitin Nabin would flag off the yatra from Ekta Sthal in Sujanpur. Besides, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Arjun Ram Meghwal, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other senior leaders would join the yatras at different stages. The concluding rally of the yatras is in Jalandhar on September 30. A large gathering of people is expected on the occasion. The state BJP President appealed to the police administration to ensure that no anti-social or mischievous elements get an opportunity to disrupt the yatras. At the same time, traffic arrangements should be planned and put in place in advance in coordination with district police officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatras and minimise inconvenience to the public. Dhillon said the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra is not merely a political programme, but an effort to build a mass movement to protect the youth and families of Punjab from the menace of drugs. He said drugs have become the biggest challenge facing Punjab today. It is extremely important to eradicate this menace from Punjab, as drug abuse is leading to a rise in crime, gang culture and cases of extortion. He said the Aam Aadmi Party government had come to power promising to eradicate drugs within three months, but instead of declining, drugs are today being delivered to homes across the state. The government is also attempting to silence voices raised against drugs in an effort to hide its failure.
Sukhbir distributes 1,000 quintal wheat to 300 hailstorm struck farmers, farm workers in Gidderbaha
Hockey India, franchises mull change in HIL governance structure
Even as some of the top brass of Hockey India was present in Chandigarh for the formal announcement of the mens Asian Champions Trophy, HI president Dilip Tirkey was meeting Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and other senior government officials along with HIL franchises in New Delhi
Power crisis: Cops use water cannons on protesting Cong workers; Warring detained
Congress slams Punjab govt, Centre for blame game on drug crisis
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 14 (IANS) Ahead of the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching four state-wide 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras' from September 18, Leader of Opposition (LoP) and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday criticised both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government and the BJP-led Union government for turning the state's devastating drug crisis into a political blame game, instead of dismantling the drug supply chain. Reacting to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's statement, Bajwa said both the state and the Central governments were trying to evade accountability by blaming each other. Bhagwant Mann cannot wash his hands of responsibility by talking about cross-border, the BSF and Mundra Port. At the same time, the BJP cannot absolve itself by blaming Punjab while the international border, ports and the national drug-trafficking network fall within areas where the Union government has a critical responsibility. Punjab's youth need action, not a Mann-Modi blame-game, the LoP said in a statement. He said Chief Minister Mann's claims of thousands of arrests and first information reports (FIRs) must be judged against the ground reality. If the government has truly won its so-called war on drugs, why is 'Chitta' (synthetic drug) still so easily available? How many top-level kingpins have been convicted? How much drug money has been seized? How many political and financial networks supporting the mafia have been dismantled? he asked. Bajwa added that the tragic incident of Gulzar Singh in Sangrur should shame both AAP and the BJP. Gulzar Singh had publicly raised the issue of the easy availability of drugs and subsequently died after consuming poison, the LoP said. The circumstances surrounding Gulzar Singh's death and allegations of harassment require a thorough and impartial investigation, Bajwa added. CM Mann should stop saving his blue-eyed Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who was named by Gulzar Singh in his statement before his tragic death. Bajwa also condemned the alleged police assault on Mohanjit Singh, who had raised his voice against the drug menace. If a citizen who speaks about drugs is allegedly beaten in police custody, what message is this government sending to Punjab's people? Citizens raising their voice against drugs should be protected, not intimidated, Bajwa said. Gulzar Singh raised his voice and died under tragic circumstances after harassment at the hands of AAP supporters. Mohanjit Singh raised his voice and allegedly suffered police brutality. Mann and the BJP are busy holding press conferences and pointing fingers at each other. This is not a war against drugs; it is a war of political narratives, Congress leader Bajwa added.
SGPC to give Rs 51,000 to Sikh boy who stood 2nd in Lahore board exam
RSS-linked Himalaya Parivar holds 1st event in poll-bound Punjabs Amritsar
Bring dried paddy to mandis to avoid problems: Haryana minister to farmers
Waris Punjab De kicks off 2027 campaign with Faridkot rally
8th Pay Commission: DA should be increased four times a year and merged with basic salary at 25%.
Ahead of the 8th Pay Commission's Chandigarh meeting, employees have made a historic demand. They have proposed a three-month DA increase and demanded that 25% dearness allowance be merged into basic pay.Big news on 8th Pay CommissionAfter Chennai and Puducherry, the 8th Pay Commission i...
Chowdhary Ramzan flags J&K development gaps, invites parliamentary panel for on-ground assessment
Chandigarh, Sep 14: Member of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday highlighted development gaps and infrastructure challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee in Chandigarh and invited its members and senior Central government officials to visit the Union Territory for an on-ground assessment. During the meeting, which reviewed the overall development scenario of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, Ramzan raised issues relating to connectivity, public infrastructure, essential services and the need for greater investment and institutional support for Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need for a focused assessment of the challenges facing the Union Territory and stronger infrastructure to address its development requirements. Ramzan also invited the committee members and senior officials of the Government of India to visit Srinagar and Jammu to assess the functioning of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) system, particularly foodgrain storage and distribution arrangements. The invitation was accepted by the committee members and concerned officials, who expressed their willingness to visit Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. The date and programme of the proposed visit will be finalised separately. Senior officials, including secretaries, CMDs, directors and other officers from the Government of India, Punjab, Haryana and the Chandigarh administration, attended the meeting, which took stock of infrastructure, public services and other key areas of development.
Power crisis deepens, farmer protests spread across Punjab
JKMSA seeks revision of stipends, remuneration for PG, senior resident doctors
Srinagar, Sep 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA) has sought a comprehensive revision of stipends for postgraduate (PG) residents and remuneration for senior resident doctors in government medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. In a representation addressed to the Health Minister, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the association urged the government to review the existing remuneration structure, citing disparities with other major government and apex medical institutions. The association also extended its support to the demands raised by the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Jammu and other resident doctors' associations across the Union Territory. JKMSA said postgraduate and senior resident doctors form an indispensable part of the healthcare system, providing round-the-clock patient care, emergency and casualty services, intensive care, operation theatre duties, labour room services and specialist consultations. It said resident doctors also undertake clinical documentation, teaching, supervision and other responsibilities alongside their medical training. The association said the existing remuneration structure needed a comprehensive review in the interest of resident doctors' welfare, equitable compensation, recruitment and retention of qualified doctors, quality of postgraduate medical education and uninterrupted patient care. Seeks parity with other medical institutions In its representation, JKMSA cited remuneration benchmarks from several medical institutions, including the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), AIIMS Jammu, Government Medical College Chandigarh and Government Medical College Jammu. According to the figures cited by the association, PG residents at SKIMS receive approximately Rs 80,000 per month in the first year, Rs 85,000 in the second year and Rs 88,00090,000 in the third year. The representation puts senior resident remuneration at SKIMS at approximately Rs 1.30 lakh per month, while the corresponding figure for AIIMS Jammu is stated to be around Rs 1.40 lakh. It also cites senior resident remuneration of approximately Rs 1.40 lakh to Rs 1.50 lakh per month at Government Medical College Chandigarh. For Government Medical College Jammu, the association listed the current monthly stipends as Rs 64,000 for first-year PG residents, Rs 68,000 for second-year residents and Rs 72,000 for third-year residents. Senior residents, it said, receive Rs 94,000 per month. The association said these figures highlighted the remuneration differences faced by resident doctors in the region and reinforced the need for a rational and time-bound review. It added that the figures could be verified against applicable official orders and pay structures during the government's review. Cites NMC regulations JKMSA also referred to the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, notified by the National Medical Commission (NMC), stating that postgraduate students are entitled to stipends on a par with those paid to postgraduate students of state or Central government medical institutions in the state or Union Territory where the institution is located. The association urged the government to assess the prevailing stipends across Government Medical Colleges Jammu and Srinagar, SKIMS, AIIMS Jammu and other applicable government medical institutions, and rectify any disparities in accordance with the relevant NMC requirements. The representation further highlighted the clinical responsibilities shouldered by PG residents and senior residents, including emergency duties, inpatient care, intensive care, operative procedures and other essential medical services. JKMSA said a fair and uniform remuneration structure would help improve resident doctors' welfare while strengthening the healthcare delivery system across Jammu and Kashmir.
