FCIK slams RBI Regional office over ritual reviews amid deepening MSME distress
Srinagar, Nov 11:The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has sharply criticised the Reserve Bank of Indias Regional Office, Jammu, for failing to deliver tangible relief to distressed MSMEs despite successive meetings, repeated assurances and longstanding credit and rehabilitation mechanisms. Reacting to the 72nd Meeting of the Empowered Committee on MSMEs for J&K and Ladakh, FCIK said routine exhortations on liberal financing, credit guarantees and revival had displaced scrutiny of actual implementation. After 72 meetings, disclose how many enterprises were rehabilitated, financing deficiencies corrected and decisions implemented. Meetings held cannot be equated with results achieved, FCIK stated. The Federation said RBIs Regional Office must ensure that local economic conditions inform national banking policy, pursue corrective action on credit bottlenecks and recommend region-specific interventions. Having witnessed industrial distress for decades, the office must explain what it recommended, what action followed and why the same unresolved issues keep returning to its agenda. FCIK asked. FCIK said enterprises, particularly in Kashmir, had lost thousands of working days to turmoil, shutdowns, restrictions and natural calamities while interest, idle wages and statutory liabilities accumulated. Working capital was consumed by unavoidable expenses, while underfinancing, delayed assistance and costly emergency borrowings in the shape of overdraft with interest up to @18% pushed viable businesses into distress. Has the Regional Office placed a comprehensive assessment of disruption-related debt before the RBI Governor? What special measures has it recommended? Enterprises cannot remain indefinitely trapped between unserviceable debt and the loss of productive assets and family properties. FCIK observed. The Federation demanded meaningful resolution of legacy stress through rehabilitation, realistic restructuring and affordable settlements reflecting borrowers repayment capacity, the causes of distress and the need to preserve viable businesses. Expressing concern over complaints that banks allowed MSME accounts to become NPAs without timely intervention under RBIs Framework for Revival and Rehabilitation, FCIK questioned the Regional Offices monitoring. The framework requires early identification of stress and corrective action. Why do entrepreneurs report that meaningful engagement begins only with a recovery notice? Where are the assessments of rectification, restructuring and viability? asked FCIK. FCIK demanded a bank-wise account of eligible enterprises identified before NPA classification, considered for corrective action, restructured, revived or referred for recovery, with reasons for rejecting rehabilitation. What action has the Regional Office secured where banks bypassed these safeguards? Protection confined to paper offers no protection at all. FCIK observed. The Federation said NPA classification was often followed by SARFAESI notices and e-auction announcements while rehabilitation or settlement requests remained unresolved. Name and shame practices continued without giving distressed MSMEs a fair opportunity for rehabilitation or settlement, making revival even harder. In a closely knit society, public recovery campaigns damage an entrepreneurs reputation, business ties and chances of revival. FCIK also questioned repeated appeals for TReDS adoption without securing effective participation by government departments and PSUs purchasing from MSMEs. What has the Regional Office done to secure UT Government directions for their registration and time-bound acceptance of eligible invoices? Seller registration alone cannot unlock finance: public buyers must participate and accept invoices before those receivables can be discounted, observed FCIK. FCIK demanded disclosure of departments and PSUs on-boarded, invoices accepted, amounts financed and acceptance timelines, with deadlines to address gaps. Repeated references to TReDS at meetings do not release money trapped in unpaid bills. The Regional Office must help remove the administrative barriers preventing its use. The Federation further questioned its efforts to secure local access to debt adjudication for J&K borrowers compelled to pursue proceedings in Chandigarh at considerable expense and inconvenience. Acknowledging that establishing a Debts Recovery Tribunal falls within the Central Governments authority, FCIK demanded disclosure of the Regional Offices recommendations and follow-up for a tribunal in J&K or regular circuit sittings in Srinagar and Jammu. A remedy must be practically accessible, particularly when an entrepreneurs productive assets and home are at stake. Recalling its 2005 engagement with then RBI Governor Dr. Y. V. Reddy along 15 Deputy and executive Governors in Srinagar, FCIK said substantive dialogue had helped secure concessions and strengthen monitoring through Empowered Committees. Yet these committees, along the State Level Inter-Institutional Committee and its subcommittee, intended to rehabilitate sick units, failed to deliver and were subsequently abandoned. What happened to earlier concessions and rehabilitation mechanisms? Why did they disappear or become ineffective and what functioning alternatives replaced them? it asked. Urging the RBI Governor to review the Regional Offices performance, FCIK sought a time-bound programme for legacy-debt resolution, enforcement of rehabilitation safeguards, effective TReDS participation and accessible debt adjudication. The Regional Office must answer for the gap between RBIs stated objectives and entrepreneurs experience. Enterprises that survived decades of disruption deserve effective intervention. Another meeting ending with another assurance is no longer an acceptable response, FCIK concluded.
Punjab records 5,517 stubble-burning incidents; Ferozepur tops the list with 728 cases
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 12 (IANS) Stubble-burning incidents continue to be reported across Punjab amid the ongoing paddy harvesting season, with the state recording a total of 5,517 such cases so far, according to the latest report of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). Of the total incidents reported across the state, Ferozepur is at the top with 728 cases, while 374 cases have been recorded in Patiala district, placing it fifth among districts with the highest number of stubble-burning incidents. The PPCB report, up to Wednesday (November 11), states that 96.65 per cent of the total paddy area of 32.87 lakh hectares in Punjab has been harvested so far. Meanwhile, the district administrations and the Pollution Control Board are closely monitoring the situation and taking action against farmers found burning crop residue. This comes as North India continues to grapple with the alarming pollution levels. As part of the enforcement measures, authorities have inspected 4,620 fields across the state, while physical verification of reported stubble-burning incidents has been carried out at 2,003 locations. The authorities have imposed fines amounting to Rs 85.90 lakh as 'Environmental Compensation' (EC) in connection with stubble-burning cases. Of this amount, Rs 37.55 lakh has been recovered so far. In addition, First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in 1,259 cases, while 'red entries' have been recorded in the revenue records in 1,637 cases. The report further states that authorities have issued 1,435 warnings and show-cause notices to those allegedly involved in stubble burning as part of the action being taken to curb the practice. In Patiala district, around 98 per cent of the total paddy area measuring 2.314 lakh hectares has been harvested. Despite the high level of harvesting, the district has reported 374 stubble-burning incidents so far, officials said. Of these cases, officials have inspected 282 fields, while physical verification of the incidents has been completed at 184 locations. The district administration has also initiated enforcement action against those found responsible for burning crop residue. According to the officials, fines worth Rs 6.70 lakh have been imposed as Environmental Compensation in Patiala, out of which Rs 2.60 lakh has been recovered. Furthermore, FIRs have been registered in 153 stubble-burning cases, while 'red entries' have been made in the revenue records in 120 cases. Patiala has also issued 390 warnings and show-cause notices in connection with stubble-burning incidents, the highest number among all districts in Punjab, according to the report. The report also highlights that three fields in Patiala district have been identified where stubble burning was confirmed by non-AFL (non-Agriculture Field Level) officials. Across Punjab, a total of 147 such fields have been identified by the authorities. Among the districts reporting the highest number of stubble-burning incidents, Ferozepur is at the top with 728 cases. Tarn Taran follows with 687 incidents, while Sangrur has reported 628 cases. Bathinda stands fourth with 499 incidents, followed by Patiala with 374 cases. The authorities continue to monitor the situation and enforce measures to discourage farmers from burning crop residue, officials said.
LG Manoj Sinha congratulates SKIMS on historic expansion of over 94 Seats
Srinagar, Nov 11: In a historic academic milestone, the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, has secured over 94 additional seats at three levels: over 25 MBBS seats, 63 MD/MS/PG Diploma seats and six new DM superspeciality seats. The 63 postgraduate seats take the Institute's total from 143 to 206, an increase of about 44 percent. It is the largest expansion of teaching capacity in the Institute's history, and the full training pathway, from MBBS to super-specialty, can now be completed at SKIMS. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in a congratulatory message, said the milestone advances SKIMS's reforms and realises the advanced training vision of the 2026 Quaternary Healthcare Summit, co-organised under the aegis of NITI Aayog. He congratulated the Director, faculty, doctors, nursing, paramedical and administrative staff for their hard work in making quaternary care a reality at SKIMS, and noted that the new programmes will enable youth from J&K and Ladakh to train locally and serve their respective Union Territories. The UT Administration will continue providing full support for faculty, infrastructure, and equipment so these new programs become centres of excellence and patients can receive advanced care, the Lieutenant Governor said. SKIMS Director Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Ashraf Ganie briefed LG Sinha on the Institute's healthcare initiatives. He said nine MD/MS specialties have been introduced for the first time at SKIMS and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (4 seats), Pharmacology (4), Anatomy (5), Physiology (5), Geriatrics (2), Nuclear Medicine (2), Palliative Medicine (2), ENT (2) and Respiratory Medicine (2). A new PG Diploma in Anaesthesiology (D.A.) adds 12 seats. Seats have also been increased in six existing departments, led by Obstetrics & Gynaecology (6 to 15), Microbiology (5 to 10) and Hospital Administration (5 to 9). In super-specialty training, he said the National Medical Commission has approved two seats each in DM Neuro-Anaesthesia, DM Paediatric & Neonatal Anaesthesia and DM Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology. SKIMS has also launched new DrNB programmes, including the first DrNB in Cardiac Anaesthesia in J&K. The additional MBBS seats will give more young people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh the chance to become doctors in their own Union Territory. Nuclear Medicine brings PET imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy closer to patients, and for the first time in over four decades J&K will train its own MD-qualified nuclear medicine physicians, Director SKIMS said. He said Palliative Medicine, a first for SKIMS and available at only a few institutions in the country, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation will extend dignified, holistic care beyond inpatient stays, supporting patients with advanced illness and those recovering from stroke, spinal injury and trauma. Geriatrics responds to an ageing population, while Respiratory Medicine and ENT add depth to chest and head-and-neck care. Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology will produce teachers and researchers for medical colleges across the region, and the DM programmes add expertise for complex neurosurgical, paediatric and autoimmune care, he said. Director SKIMS said the expansion carries forward the vision of the National Summit on Quaternary Healthcare: A National Strategy for Advanced Care, organised recently under the aegis of NITI Aayog in collaboration with AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, AIIMS Jammu and AIIMS Awantipora. The Summit underlined that advanced care must become a right of citizenship and not a privilege confined to large cities, and proposed a corridor linking district hospitals and tertiary centres with quaternary-care institutions. Trained manpower is the foundation of such a corridor. The new DM and DrNB programmes, together with Nuclear Medicine, Palliative Medicine, Geriatrics and Respiratory Medicine, build the specialist expertise on which quaternary care depends. The Institute's aim is to make SKIMS a national reference centre for advanced care and an institution of international standing, he said. This is a proud moment for SKIMS and for the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. These seats mean more skilled doctors trained in our own Union Territory and more specialist care close to home. They are the first dividend of the vision of the Quaternary Healthcare Summit 2026, and our administration is committed to elevating academics, patient care and research at SKIMS to national and international benchmarks and to building a Centre of Excellence for quaternary healthcare. We are grateful to the Honble Lieutenant Governor, the Honble Chief Minister and the Health & Medical Education Department for their guidance and support, Director SKIMS said. Looking ahead, in keeping with the vision of the Quaternary Healthcare Summit 2026, he said SKIMS will build on this momentum by expanding super-specialty training, strengthening research of international standard, and establishing dedicated Centres of Excellence in advanced and quaternary care, so that patients across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh receive world-class specialised treatment close to home from highly skilled doctors, he said. SKIMS will continue to work with the Government, national institutions and its own faculty to carry the Institute's name forward at the national and international level, he added.
Phone grabbed from woman on scooter at traffic signal in Chandigarh.
Bid to shield family: Dhillon, Phoolka target Sonia Gandhi over memoirs account of 1984 events
PPCB frames water audit mechanism to scrutinise industrial water use, wastewater management
Anandpur Sahib bags Punjabs Best Swachh City award
HP allows depts to procure milk products from Milkfed, cooperatives
Asst manager shot dead after road rage on Sonipat E-way
Akal Takht sends two kirtani jathas for month-long Gurmat training, bars them from performing kirtan
2 sisters who went to meet ailing mother in Ambala village killed in train accident
Clock ticks on wheat sowing, smoke rises over Punjab fields
Farm fires cross 2025 tally as Punjab records 5,517 cases
Punjab govt launches stipend scheme for polytechnic interns
Haryana plans Singapore-style corporation to fast-track development project tenders
Punjab Cong launches Punjab Mangda Insaaf campaign
Saini cracks whip on delayed projects, warns contractors of blacklisting
CM Bhagwant Mann inaugurates 1,000 Pendu Khed Maidan
Punjab will continue its devpt journey by re-electing AAP in 2027: CM Bhagwant Mann
2027 Punjab polls: AAP likely to finalise second candidate list today
Door-to-door survey for census begins early next year in Panchkula
Heaps of garbage welcome visitors in Mohali; civic body in the dock
Krish Chawla adds historic eastern India title to trophy cabinet
Two illegal eateries razed in Panchkula; PMDA warns of more action
Two new sites to handle Chhath Puja rush in Panchkula
Chandigarh Secures Second Place in Cleanliness Rankings for 2025-26
Chandigarh ranks second in the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, showcasing its commitment to cleanliness and urban management. Chandigarh Secures Second Place in Cleanliness Rankings for 2025-26
Woman, 3-year-old son killed as Thar rams into trailer in Haryanas Kurukshetra
Provide recruitment test videography to unsuccessful candidate: HC to Hry police
Cong to take Vote Chori charge against BJP to Hry villages from Nov 12
Hry CS files affidavit in HC, says graft accused on bail wont return to same posting
Jind varsity to host three-day Haryana Utsav from Nov 12
Leopard spotted in Bawal moves to 750-acre Jhabua forest; search operation intensified
Bihar: Liquor worth Rs 50 lakh seized; four Rajasthan smugglers arrested
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 11 (IANS) Bihar Police have seized foreign-made liquor worth approximately Rs 50 lakh and arrested four alleged smugglers from Rajasthan in Patna district ahead of the Chhath festival on Wednesday. A total of 435 cartons containing 3,830.760 litres of liquor were recovered during a raid near a Bharat Petroleum pump in Muktakapur village, under Fatuha police station limits. Acting on a tip-off that a large consignment of foreign liquor had been stored at the location, police formed a special team under the leadership of Inspector Ajit Kumar. The team conducted a raid at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday and found 435 cartons of liquor stocked at the premises. The estimated market value of the seized consignment is around Rs 50 lakh. During the investigation, police found that the liquor bottles carried labels indicating that they were meant for sale in Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana. The four arrested accused have been identified as Devaram, Bishnaram, Dayaram and Dinesh Kumar. All are residents of the Sindhari police station area in Rajasthan's Barmer district. Police have taken the four men into custody for questioning to ascertain the source of the consignment and identify those who were supposed to receive and distribute the liquor in Bihar. Following the raid, the premises used for storing the liquor were sealed. Investigators are now attempting to establish the entire smuggling network and identify other people involved in the illegal trade, including suspected links in Bihar and other states. Police said further action would be taken based on the information obtained during the interrogation of the arrested accused. The accused have been booked under the relevant sections of the liquor prohibition act. They will be produced in the district court on Thursday for further legal proceedings. Liquor has been banned in Bihar since April 2016 after the then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took the decision.
Congress launches Punjab Mangda Insaaf campaign ahead of State polls
Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the State Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa launched the campaign at the party headquarters in Chandigarh
3 passengers killed, 26 injured as speeding PRTC bus hits overbridge, overturns in fields in Punjab
Sanju Samson to lead Keralam in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will be leading Keralam in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) starting from November 14 onwards, reported Cricinfo. Samson's team will start their campaign against Madhya Pradesh at PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh from November 14. Vishnu Vinod, Keralam's red-ball captain, is also part of the 18-member squad alongside domestic stalwart Jalaj Saxena. Stars from Kerala Cricket League (KCL) have been rewarded too, with top-order batter Ahammed Imran, Govind Dev, the batting allrounder making it to the squad. Right-arm pacer KM Asif and left-arm spinner Vignesh Puthur add more firepower to the squad. Keralam are placed in Group C alongside Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry and Tripura. Last season under Samson, they failed to make it to the knockouts, finishing fourth in their group. Samson has not had a productive run as of late in New Zealand, firing scores of 14, 18, 4 and 4 after a quickfire 6...
AAP block samiti member guns down brother over land dispute
Will oppose BJP if it allies with SAD: Giani Harpreet
Punjab to begin potash exploration by May 2027: Minister
Punjab govt transfers 20 IAS officers, appoints 6 new DCs
Dhumal, Shanta Kumar hail SC decision on BBMB dues, credit successive govts for victory
Parwanoo most polluted in HP on Diwali
HP announces Rs 1 cr risk fund for trout farmers
Boy dead as car ploughs into bystanders
Punjab signs skill development pacts for automotive, footwear and fashion sectors
BJP questions HP govts 4-year record, seeks white paper on investment
Dhillon questions AAP govts failure to manage crop residue
GMCH Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh (GMCH) has released the notification for the post of Project Assistant. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications till 23 November 2026. Further details are available at gmch.gov.in.
GMCH Chandigarh Lab Technician Recruitment 2026
Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, Department of Biochemistry (GMCH Chandigarh) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for the post of Lab Technician. Offline applications will be accepted till 23 November 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit gmch.gov.in.
Punjabs rural CHCs face 84% specialist shortage
Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh (GMCH) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for the post of SRF. Offline applications will be accepted till 23 November 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit gmch.gov.in.
In 2026, 51 drug peddlers detained in Shimla: Police
PCS row escalates: Aspirants gherao Patiala office, demand CBI probe
Farm fires down 95% since 2020, dont blame Punjab for Delhi smog: Aman Arora
Rights panel orders statewide security audit after 32 guns stolen from Faridabad police station
Jind police book 8 farmers for stubble burning
Chennai to host 2029 Asian Athletics Championships, fourth time India to stage event
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Chennai has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships, marking the fourth time that India will stage the continental event after previously hosting it in New Delhi, Pune and Bhubaneswar. The Asian Athletics Association announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday, saying the award was subject to the presentation of letters of guarantee from the government. Subject to presentation of letters of guarantee from the Govt, Asian Athletics Association is pleased to award the 2029 Asian Athletics Championships to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the statement read. C. Latha, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association (TNAA), said the championships are likely to be held in August. Speaking from Tokyo after attending the Asian Athletics Federation Council meeting on Tuesday, Latha said Chennais infrastructure and facilities were highlighted during the presentation made by the state. We made our presentation (the online presentation was made by Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary of SDAT) and highlighted the legacy of the Nehru Stadium in hosting international meets and the availability of the practice facility at the Nehru B ground. We also stressed that Chennai has an international airport and good hotels close to the venue. The State Government will, in any case, relay the main athletics track soon, Latha said. C.K. Valson, a member of the Competition Commission for Asian Athletics, had inspected the Nehru Stadium last week and was reportedly satisfied with the main track and practice ground. Valson was happy with the infrastructure. He told us to make arrangements for VIP lounges, modify the seating arrangements and install LED screens. All that remains is for the State Government to send a letter to the president of the Asia Athletics Federation confirming that it will bear the entire cost of hosting the meet, Latha added. India last hosted the Asian Athletics Championships in 2017 in Bhubaneswar, having previously staged the competition in New Delhi in 1989 and Pune in 2013. The award to Chennai adds to India's upcoming international athletics calendar. The country is also set to host the Asian Relays Championships in Chandigarh in 2027, followed by the Asian Indoor Championships and the World Indoor Championships in Odisha in 2028. Gujarat is also in contention to host the Under-20 World Championships in 2028.
Pakistan handlers behind drug, arms supply network busted in Mohali; four arrested
Court acquits two in NDPS case, calls STF version a 'dramatic and fictitious story'
Pinjore man alleges Rs 80L fraud in online investment scheme
Punjab poll: First-level checking of EVMs, VVPATs from tomorrow
AFT's Chandigarh Bench rules that Wing Commander Chandi is entitled to pension and other retirement benefits after modification of its 2015 judgment.
India Post, IndiGo hold 'Digital Detox 2.0' to promote handwritten Diwali greetings
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) The Department of Posts, in collaboration with IndiGo airlines, organised the second edition of its in-flight postcard writing activity, Digital Detox 2.0, offering air travellers an opportunity to send handwritten Diwali greetings and reconnect with the tradition, an official statement said on Tuesday. The statement from Ministry of Communications said the campaign was launched following the positive response to its inaugural edition as conducted across 15 IndiGo flights covering 11 destinations, including Chandigarh, Ranchi, Bagdogra, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Varanasi and Jaipur. Passengers were provided specially designed Digital Detox kits containing postcards, greeting cards and do-it-yourself (DIY) postcards through specially designed Diwali Stickers encouraging them to take a break from their screens and pen personalised festive messages. Passengers were provided with specially designed Digital Detox kits containing postcards, greeting cards and DIY postcards through specially designed Diwali Stickers encouraging them to take a break from their screens and pen personalised festive messages, the ministry stated. By bringing the experience of letter writing to air travellers, the campaign highlighted the enduring charm of personal correspondence in an increasingly digital world, the statement noted. One passenger remarked that writing a postcard at 30,000 feet was a wonderful experience and something he would remember for his lifetime. This was my first time writing a postcard. It made me realise how special handwritten messages can be in an age of instant digital communication, the statement cited another participant. Sending Diwali wishes through a handwritten postcard felt much more personal and meaningful than a digital message, another passenger said. India Post reaffirmed its commitment to innovative public outreach through Digital Detox 2.0, celebrating the timeless tradition of connecting people through letters while adding a personal touch to Diwali celebrations, the statement noted.
Congress to launch Punjab Mangda Insaaf campaign tomorrow
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 10 (IANS) Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Pargat Singh on Tuesday announced that the Punjab Mangda Insaaf campaign will be formally launched on November 11. Through this initiative, the Congress will establish direct communication with people, understand their problems, needs and expectations and raise their concerns effectively. Speaking to the media here, Pargat Singh said the campaign had already begun with the Insaaf Rally held in Sangrur on November 4. It would now be expanded across Punjab on a much larger scale. The Congress will engage directly with stakeholders from the IT sector, agriculture, various industries and other sections of society. Senior party leaders will participate in different programmes to understand people's concerns. Special public outreach programmes will be organised across the Malwa, Majha and Doaba regions. He said campaign committee chairman Charanjit Singh Channi would also reach out to people across different Assembly constituencies through the Jawani Sambhal, Jatta cycle rally. Five to six senior party leaders will lead the campaign in different regions and take the party's message to every household. Pargat Singh said Punjab is currently grappling with drugs, gangsterism, deteriorating law and order and conditions resembling a police state. Bureaucratic mismanagement was also creating difficulties for ordinary people and the youth. Students who appeared for the PCS examination had also met him and raised concerns regarding irregularities and mismanagement in the examination process. The Congress will raise all these issues as part of a comprehensive campaign and hold the government accountable. He alleged the Aam Aadmi Party government had worsened the situation in Punjab. Describing AAP as the BJPs B-team, he said the party had sought two years to eliminate the drug menace, but the situation remained alarming even today. He further alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann did not exercise actual control over the government and that Punjab was being run by Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. The government had damaged the image and reputation of Punjab. The Congress would reach out to the poor, youth and ordinary citizens, understand their problems and bring their concerns into the mainstream political discourse.
First-level checking of EVMs, VVPAT machines in Punjab on Nov 12
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 10 (IANS) Ahead of the Assembly elections in Punjab, likely slated for February next year, the first-level checking of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines will commence in all districts from November 12, Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra said on Tuesday. She said the first-level checking is an essential process prescribed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that only fully functional and election-ready machines are used during the elections. As per the guidelines of the Election Commission, the first-level checking to be used in every general election and by-election is conducted under the supervision of the District Election Officer by authorised engineers of Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). The CEO said only those EVMs and VVPATs which successfully pass the first-level checking will be used in the elections. The detailed procedure will be conducted as per instructions of the Election Commission. The process will be conducted in accordance with the extant instructions of the Election Commission. All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth, transparent and systematic conduct of the first-level checking process. Mitra said the process will be conducted under the supervision of the District Election Officers concerned and will be monitored at the level of the Chief Electoral Officer as well as the Election Commission. The CEO further said that, to ensure complete transparency and accountability throughout the process, live webcasting of the entire process will be conducted at all 23 locations. Two display screens have been installed at each district headquarters so that representatives can closely observe proceedings. Dedicated screens have also been set up at the Chief Electoral Officer headquarters to oversee the entire process live. Also, the Election Commission has appointed observers to supervise these operations. She urged all recognised political parties to authorise their representatives to witness the first-level checking of EVMs and VVPAT machines. She emphasised that the presence of party representatives during the process would further strengthen transparency, build confidence among stakeholders and ensure that the entire process is carried out in a fair and impartial manner.
Punjab Police dismantles two arms supply networks; six held, 14 pistols seized
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 10 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled two separate illegal arms supply networks in the state with the arrest of six people and recovered 14 sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, here on Tuesday. Those arrested have been identified as Bobby Singh and Ravinder Singh, alias Manna, both residents of Talwandi Shoba Singh village in Tarn Taran; Gurpreet Singh, alias Preet, Kamal, and Ajay Singh, alias Kaka, all residents of Amritsar; and Swaran Singh, a resident of Panchkula in Haryana. The recovered pistols include one .30 bore TISAS Zigana, one .30 bore Zigana Eagle, one .30 bore (made in China), two 9mm pistols, seven .30 bore pistols, and two .32 bore pistols. DGP Yadav said preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were allegedly in contact with foreign-based handlers through social media platforms, who facilitated the supply of illegal weapons through drone-based consignments. The accused allegedly collected these consignments and further supplied the weapons to individuals involved in criminal activities, he said. The DGP said further investigation is underway to identify other associates to dismantle the wider illegal arms supply networks. Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (Amritsar), Harmanbir Singh Gill, said that in the first operation police teams acting on inputs arrested five accused, Bobby Singh, Ravinder, Gurpreet, Kamal, and Ajay, and recovered six illegal pistols from their possession. He said in the second operation, police acted on specific information and apprehended Swaran Singh, recovering eight illegal pistols from his possession. In this regard, two separate cases, First Information Report (FIR) No. 272 dated November 2 under Sections 25 (6,7 and 8) of the Arms Act at Police Station Chheharta and FIR No. 207 dated November 8 under Sections 25 (6,7 and 8) of the Arms Act at Police Station Civil Lines were registered.
BJP slams Punjab govt on crop residue management
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 10 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party Punjab President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Tuesday mounted a counter-offensive against the Bhagwant Mann government over its failure to manage crop residue, asserting that the Aam Aadmi Party cannot escape its four-and-a-half-year record in the state by staging press conferences to blame Delhi. Dhillon stated that on November 4, 2022, party national convener Arvind Kejriwal publicly accepted responsibility for farm fires alongside Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking one year to resolve the crisis. Over four years into its tenure, the Mann administration has failed to provide accessible alternatives, leaving farmers stranded. Posing five direct questions to the AAP dispensation, Dhillon asked: Where is the bio-decomposer? What happened to the Pusa bio-decomposer heavily promoted by AAP? How many acres were sprayed, what was the state-level expenditure, and what measurable results were achieved? The Central government released Rs 2,056.50 crore to Punjab under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme up to 2025-26. Where has every single rupee been spent, and how much has actually reached farmers? The state BJP chief asked. Where are the 94,456 CRM machines? The Agriculture Department claims 94,456 CRM machines were deployed. How many are operational, how many Custom Hiring Centres are functional, and how many marginal farmers can actually access them during the sowing window? Why no direct cash incentive? While Haryana provides Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 per acre to its farmers, why did the Punjab government fail to independently fund its promised Rs 2,500 per acre cash assistance? Why slap first information reports (FIRs) and red entries on farmers? Why is the Mann government booking small farmers under police sections and making punitive red entries in revenue records to conceal its own administrative paralysis? Dhillon demanded an immediate, independent audit of CRM machinery funds, an immediate rollback of punitive red entries against farmers, and practical per-acre financial support.
Nalagarh Shooting: Man Critical, Police Probe Dispute
A young man was critically injured after being shot by a neighbour in Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday. He sustained three bullet injuries and was shifted to PGIMER, Chandigarh, due to the critical nature of his abdominal wounds. Police have registered a case and are investigating the motive, while the incident highlights ongoing law-and-order concerns in the area.
Punjab records 4,657 stubble-burning cases; 1,442 FIRs, Rs 7.28 crore in fines
Punjab experienced a total of 4,657 stubble burning incidents reported until November 9, 2026. Police have filed 1,442 FIRs, and environmental fines totaling Rs 7.285 crore were imposed and partially recovered. The district of Tarn Taran had the highest number of incidents with 659 reported cases. Monitoring teams are actively inspecting and addressing stubble burning violations in several districts.
JKCA's Shambhavi Rajput earns India A U-19 call-up
Jammu, Nov 9: Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has expressed immense pride and happiness over the selection of its women cricketers at the national and zonal levels, marking another significant achievement for womens cricket in Jammu & Kashmir. Captain of the J&K Under-19 Womens Team, Shambhavi Rajput has been selected for the India A Under-19 Womens Team for the Triangular Series. Her selection is a major milestone and reflects her dedication, hard work and consistent performances. As per a statement issued, in another proud achievement, Rubia Syed has secured a place in the North Zone T20 squad. Meanwhile, Shambhavi Rajput, Aleeza Jaan and Maria Noorain have earned standby call-ups for the North Zone T20 tournament. Additionally, Rohit Rana has been selected as Trainer for the North Zone T20 Trophy. The North Zone selection meeting was convened by the Chandigarh Cricket Association (UTCA) in the presence of selectors representing various affiliated associations, including Reema Malhotra (DDCA), Rajni Kumari (HCA), Renu Margreate (PCA), Neha (HPCA), Amit Prashar (UTCA) and Meenu Slathia (JKCA). JKCA congratulated all the selected and standby players, along with Rohit Rana, and wished them success in their respective assignments. The association expressed confidence that these achievements will inspire more young girls across Jammu & Kashmir to pursue cricket and represent the region at national and international levels.
Chandigarh Sees Better Air Quality This Diwali Than Previous Years
According to the CPCC, air quality remained in the 'Satisfactory' category before the permitted firecracker bursting window of 8 pm to 10 pm on November 8.
Chandigarh breathes easier with cleanest Diwali in 4 years
31 years on, Capt Kaushals legacy lives on in Panchkula
Diwali celebrated peacefully in Chandigarh, fire brigade receives 29 calls
Five major fires keep Mohali fire brigade on toes on Diwali
Chandigarhs Diwali noise spike stays time-bound as levels fall after 10pm
Chandigarh Police receive 494 calls on Diwali, deploy 800 personnel across city
Lawyers seek parole for Amritpal to attend grandmothers last rites
Punjab Police brought back 17 gangsters from abroad in six months: Cheema
On way to Haridwar, 6 from Haryana burnt alive as car catches fire after highway crash
Man dies in Mansas Sardulgarh; drug overdose suspected, police cite alcohol use
Man beaten to death in Kharkhoda over water dispute; 2 others injured
Paralysed man killed in house fire on Diwali night
Bahadurgarh most polluted city after Diwali at AQI 400
