Centre has approved 320 PG medical seats for Himachal, says Nadda
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 24 (IANS) Union Health Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Saturday announced a major boost to medical education in Himachal Pradesh, approving the proposal for 320 additional Postgraduate (PG) medical seats in six government medical colleges. The Centre will provide approximately Rs 415 crore as a grant for this significant initiative. In an address to the people of his home state, Nadda said under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership several transformative initiatives have been implemented in medical education and healthcare in the past 12 years. As part of these efforts, the Central government approved a Rs 15,000 crore scheme to add 10,000 new medical seats across the country over five years. He said Himachal Pradesh would benefit significantly from this initiative, with all 320 proposed PG medical seats receiving approval. Providing the college-wise distribution, Nadda said 91 seats have been approved for Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla; 57 for Government Medical College in Hamirpur; 55 for Ner Chowk Medical College in Mandi; 57 for Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda; 32 for Government Medical College in Nahan; and 28 for Government Medical College in Chamba. Highlighting the speed of the approval process, Nadda said the Himachal Pradesh government submitted its proposal on June 23. Subsequently, during the convocation ceremony at AIIMS Bilaspur on October 6, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu discussed the matter with him. The Central government has now approved all 320 proposed seats. Nadda said the additional seats would strengthen specialised medical services, including surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, oncology and other critical medical disciplines. He emphasised that the initiative would create greater opportunities for medical graduates to pursue postgraduate education while improving access to specialised healthcare services closer to people's homes. Nadda urged the Himachal Pradesh government to complete all necessary administrative and regulatory formalities without delay to ensure the timely creation and operationalisation of these 320 seats. He also expressed concern over delays in other centrally supported development projects, particularly the construction of Critical Care Blocks and Public Health Laboratories, and called upon the state government to accelerate their implementation. Referring to railway infrastructure, Nadda highlighted pending issues relating to the state's financial contribution and land availability for the Chandigarh-Baddi and Bhanupalli-Bilaspur railway projects. He stressed that development projects directly benefiting the public must not suffer unnecessary delays because of pending administrative or financial decisions. The Central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, remains fully committed to extending every possible assistance for the development of Himachal Pradesh. Our priority is clear: The development of Himachal Pradesh, greater opportunities for its youth and the welfare of every family, Nadda said. He added that while the Central government was fulfilling its responsibilities with determination, the state government must demonstrate equal commitment to ensuring the effective and timely implementation of development projects.
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Haryana strike by electricity employees called off
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) With the conclusion of the strike by power employees' unions in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday issued necessary directions to the officials to restore power supply across the state at the earliest. In accordance with the Chief Minister's directions, the Managing Directors of Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (UHBVNL) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (DHBVNL) reviewed the status of power supply restoration through a joint video conference. Aditya Dahiya, Managing Director of Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), and Vikram Singh, Managing Director of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL), held a meeting in Panchkula and directed officials to take all necessary measures to normalise power supply as soon as possible. They emphasised the need for better coordination among the officials, field staff and technical teams to ensure that power restoration work is completed on a priority basis. Chief Engineers of all three power utilities, along with the Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers, also attended the meeting. While reviewing the ongoing power restoration work, the officials were instructed to ensure the availability of adequate resources and technical personnel as required. Dahiya said that the Chief Minister's directions are clear: the people of the state should not face any unnecessary inconvenience due to power supply issues. The state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of electricity consumers, and coordinated efforts are being undertaken by the concerned departments and power utilities to normalise the power supply at the earliest. Earlier, the electricity strike became a major issue as power department employees raised their demands and people faced difficulties due to disruptions in electricity services. The employees of the electricity department went on strike to press for their demands, which included concerns about working conditions, job security, and other service-related issues. The protest affected normal life in several areas, where residents worried about power cuts and interruptions to their daily activities. Farmers were concerned about the electricity supply needed for irrigation, while shopkeepers and small business owners faced difficulties in carrying out their work.
ED arrests Sawan Jewellers partner in Rs 645 crore IDFC First Bank scam, gets 4-day custody
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Rajan Singh Katodiah, partner of Chandigarh-based M/s Sawan Jewellers, in connection with the alleged Rs 645-crore IDFC First Bank scam involving the embezzlement of government funds from various departments of the Haryana government and the Chandigarh Administration, an agency statement said on Friday. Katodiah was arrested by the ED's Chandigarh Zonal Office-II on Thursday and produced before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which granted the agency four days' custody for further interrogation. According to the ED, Katodiah was the active managing partner and sole operational in-charge of M/s Sawan Jewellers, located in Sector 35-C, Chandigarh. The agency alleged that he entered into a criminal conspiracy with the prime accused, Ribhav Rishi, and others to misappropriate public funds. Investigations revealed that between November 6, 2024, and February 18, 2026, bank accounts linked to M/s Sawan Jewellers received approximately Rs 332 crore from several shell and intermediary entities allegedly controlled by Rishi. These entities included Capco Fintech Services, Swastik Desh Projects, RS Traders, Chandigarh Mega Store, SRR Planning Gurus Pvt Ltd, Vistamed Solutions, Maa Vaibhav Laxmi Interior, and Divya Arora, wife of Ribhav Rishi. The ED alleged that Katodiah, through Sawan Jewellers, facilitated the placement and concealment of proceeds of crime generated through the fraud. The agency claims the funds were subsequently layered through business transactions and integrated into the firm's day-to-day operations to project them as legitimate assets. The investigation further indicated a sharp increase in the jeweller's bullion purchases after its association with Rishi, which, according to the ED, points to a prior understanding between the accused persons for laundering the illicit proceeds. The agency said it had earlier arrested four other accused in the case for their alleged involvement in money laundering activities. Assets worth about Rs 225 crore, including movable and immovable properties, have also been attached, seized, or frozen as part of the investigation. The ED has already filed a charge sheet against 14 accused persons before the Special PMLA Court in Panchkula. Further investigation is underway.
Punjab BJP slams CM Mann over remark on SIR exercise
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Friday criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his speech in the Assembly regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Calling Manns speech surprising, Dhillon said, You run the state government, your officers carried out the exercise, and you yourself conducted the SIR. Now you are the one raising questions about it. He said the entire process was carried out by the state governments administrative machinery. From Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to officials at the booth level, all the personnel involved were under the state governments administration. The Centre had no role in the exercise, Dhillon said in a statement. If your officers made mistakes during the SIR, why did your party leaders visit the Election Commission and claim that everything was in order? he asked. He pointed out that while the Chief Minister was alleging irregularities in the SIR in the Assembly, leaders from his own party were telling the Election Commission that everything was fine. He challenged Mann to identify even a single voter in the state whose name had been wrongly deleted from the electoral rolls. Dhillon said if any irregularities had indeed occurred, it would be a serious matter for which the state government itself would be responsible. He described Manns remarks as evidence of what he called an incompetent government, alleging that it had lost its ability to think clearly and make sound decisions. He added that Mann appeared to have lost faith even in his own ministers and officials. Dhillon said when the SIR exercise began in Punjab, Mann had promised that no voter in the state would be allowed to have their name deleted from the electoral rolls. If anyones name had been wrongly removed, the Chief Minister must answer for it, he said. Mann could not evade responsibility by making baseless allegations against the Central Government, he added.
Akali Dal appeals to Punjab Governor to dismiss CM for patronising drug trade
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday appealed to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to dismiss Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, besides urging him to grant a Rs two crore compensation to the family of slain anti-drug crusader Parvinder Singh Jhota and a class one job to his widow. A party delegation, led by President Sukhbir Singh Badal, also called for action against all Ministers, legislators and civil and police officials accused of patronising the drug trade and issuing arms licenses to drug offenders. It urged that the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Jhota's murder be expanded to cover the cases of Gulzar Singh of Toor Banjara in Dirba, who named Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in his dying declaration, and Bikramjit Singh of Hargobindpur Sahib, who was hacked to death for opposing the drug mafia. Briefing the Governor, the SAD President said that these series of corrective steps should be taken to instill confidence in Punjabis at a critical juncture when the state was battling the scourge of drugs. He also stressed that the drug crusader's family was a family of Punjab and even though Jhota's father had not asked for any personal benefit, the state must look after the family. He said Jhota's wife was a teacher and should be given a gazzetted class one job. Asserting that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was responsible for the murder of Jhota, Badal cited Jhota's father Bhim Singh's statement to the police in which the latter highlighting how his son had been fallen victim to the politician-police nexus behind the drug trade in Punjab. The SAD Chief said that Bhim Singh had asserted that this nexus was receiving patronage from the top level, including Chief Minister Mann. He added that the anti-drug crusader's father had also gone on record to state that his son had told him that the State Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav was behind the false cases registered against Jhota. The memorandum said that these steps would send a clear message to Punjabis that enough was enough. Punjab and Punjabis have realised that the drug menace and its perpetrators and patrons are the number one enemy of the state and that they must be dealt with most sternly, Badal said.
Pathankot ex-mayor proposes road in Romanch Mahajans honour after NYC carriage ban
Ayushmann Khurrana Chandigarh bungalow: With Udta Teer now in theatres, take a look inside Ayushmann Khurranas Chandigarh bungalow and Mumbai home. From lush green surroundings and a badminton court to cosy interiors, Tahira Kashyaps reading nook and a wall displaying the actors awards, the homes offer a glimpse into the familys life away from the spotlight.
ED Raids 13 Sites in Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh Over NRI Loan Fraud
The entities covered in the search operation are Antriksh Promoters and Developers Pvt Ltd and Sunshine Infrawell Pvt Ltd, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act
ED Raids 13 Locations in NRI Housing Loan Fraud Probe
NEW DELHI, Oct 23: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches at 13 locations across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Chandigarh in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged fraud involving housing loans obtained in the names of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), agency officials said. The searches targeted two real estate companies based in the National Capital [] The post ED Raids 13 Locations in NRI Housing Loan Fraud Probe appeared first on Northlines .
Watch: Abohar shootout victim family stages protest outside Punjab legislative assembly
Family members of Ajay Kumar, the Abohar shootout victim, staged a protest outside the Punjab Assembly in Chandigarh for the second consecutive day, demanding justice. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to meet the grieving family and offer his condolences. Jakhar also demanded justice for Kumars family and warned that he would stage a sit-in outside Manns residence if the Chief Minister failed to meet them.
ED raids 13 places across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chandigarh in fraudulent NRI housing loan case
The entities covered in the search operation are Antriksh Promoters and Developers Pvt Ltd and Sunshine Infrawell Pvt Ltd, the officials said.
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij on Friday appealed to striking electricity department employees to end their protest and return to duty, saying the government was ready to discuss all possible options, including action under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003. In a post on X, Vij urged the employees to resume work amid widespread power outages affecting Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh, where residents and businesses have been grappling with disruptions since Wednesday night. Appeal to the employees of Haryana who have gone on strike: End the strike and return to duty. We are ready to hold discussions on all options. This includes taking action under Section 108 of the Electricity Act 2003, he said. The ministers appeal comes as the ongoing strike by employees of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has disrupted electricity supply across several areas, affecting daily life, commercial establishments and industrial operations. The employees are protesting against the Haryana governments decision to privatise the power distribution system in Gurugram and Nuh. The agitation has intensified concerns over electricity supply and the impact of the proposed changes on the states power distribution network. Everyday life and industrial operations in Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh have been severely affected by the power outages following the strike. According to local residents, all three districts began experiencing widespread blackouts from around 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The prolonged outages have triggered anger among residents, with people taking to the streets to protest against the disruption. In several areas, demonstrations have also affected vehicular movement, leading to traffic congestion. According to residents, they had repeatedly attempted to contact the electricity department officials to seek the restoration of power, but their calls went unanswered. The lack of response prompted them to take their protest to the streets. The protesting villagers said they would not vacate the road until the electricity supply was restored, adding to the pressure on authorities to resolve the disruption. Vijs appeal for employees to return to duty and the governments willingness to discuss the available options come amid growing pressure to restore normal electricity supply across the affected districts.
A Chandigarh lawyer spent Rs 19,500 on a taxi to reach Jaipur after IndiGo cancelled his flight the night before a court appearance. The consumer commission ordered the airline to pay Rs 7,352 with interest and Rs 7,000 in compensation.
ED raids 13 locations in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Chandigarh in NRI housing loan fraud case
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Big Blow For CSK Ahead Of IPL 2027 As Ayush Mhatre Set To Be Sidelined For Three Months
Ayush Mhatre had suffered a Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring while running between the wickets on the first day of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy season opener against Chandigarh in Mumbai on October 11.
Class 11 Student Shot Dead In Chandigarh
A 17-year-old Class 11 student, Naitik, was shot dead by two bike-borne persons in Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Police suspect the incident is a fallout of a recent brawl between two groups of juveniles, with some suspects already detained for questioning.
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Chandigarh: Minor boy shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Sector 22
The incident took place at the cop's official residence in Sector 22.
Teen Shot Dead by Motorcycle-Borne Assailants in Chandigarh
A teenager was shot dead by assailants in Chandigarh, highlighting ongoing gang conflicts in the area. Teen Shot Dead by Motorcycle-Borne Assailants in Chandigarh
School student shot dead in Chandigarh's Sector 22, police probe rivalry angle
A firing incident was reported in Sector 22 of Chandigarh, leaving one person dead and another critically injured. The deceased has been identified as Naitik.As per initial reports, two groups who earlier studied in the...
One minor killed and another critically injured in Chandigarh Sector 22 firing
The News Mill
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The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), under the Chairmanship of Rajesh Verma, held separate review meetings with the Governments of Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh on Thursday to review the measures being undertaken for prevention and control of paddy stubble burning and abatement of other key sources of air pollution, calling for prompt action(s) on the ground. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the meeting with the Government of Punjab focused on the implementation of the State Action Plan for prevention and control of paddy stubble burning in accordance with CAQM Direction No 99 dated May 15. The Commission reviewed on-ground enforcement measures, District-level preparedness and monitoring mechanisms in place for effective paddy stubble management. The availability, deployment and effective utilisation of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery at the District and farmer levels were reviewed, along with the id...
AAP Punjab targets BJP over its treatment of Punjabis
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 22 (IANS) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he described as its continued hatred towards Punjab and Punjabis, citing the insult of renowned Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi, the cancellation of permissions for Diljit Dosanjh's Delhi show, and the treatment meted out to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann at the Delhi airport. Dhaliwal told the media that the BJP, despite leading the government at the Centre, had repeatedly demonstrated a discriminatory attitude towards Punjabis and minority communities. He said the treatment of prominent Punjabi personalities reflected the BJP's narrow and divisive thinking and deserved the condemnation. Referring to the incident involving Daler Mehndi at a programme in Uttarakhand, Dhaliwal said the manner in which a Uttarakhand Minister and a BJP leader insulted the celebrated Punjabi singer was deeply condemnable. He said that Daler Mehndi had earned immense love and recognition worldwide, and disrespecting an artist of his stature exposed the BJP's attitude towards Punjab's people and culture. Dhaliwal also raised the issue of Diljit Dosanjh's scheduled show in Delhi, which was initially planned for November 1. He said the singer had obtained permission for the event but was subsequently asked to change the date because of the historical events associated with November 1 in Delhi. Later, for proposed alternative date of October 30, Daler Mehndi was denied necessary clearance. Dhaliwal questioned whether Diljit Dosanjh was being treated unfairly because of his Sikh identity and Punjabi background. He said the singer had performed before audiences across the world without facing such restrictions, making the developments in Delhi particularly troubling. The AAP MLA also condemned the treatment meted to Chief Minister Mann at the Delhi airport upon his return from France. He said that the Chief Minister was deliberately humiliated under the pretext of excess baggage. Dhaliwal questioned the justification for the action, saying that baggage weight is ordinarily checked at the point of departure and that any excess baggage should have been addressed there in France. He said the manner in which the Chief Minister was treated raised concerns about the Centre's attitude towards a leader who consistently speaks up for Punjab and its people.
Ahead of Punjab Assembly elections, whats shaping the States politics? | Talking Politics
As Punjab hits the runway for the upcoming assembly elections, what are the core issues and forces shaping the states political landscape? The Hindus Political Editor Nistula Hebbar and Chandigarh Correspondent Vikas Vasudev break down the intense high-stakes battle.
Panjab University Guest Faculty (Law) Recruitment 2026
Panjab University is conducting a Walk-in Interview for the post of Guest Faculty. Candidates meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria can attend the interview on 27 October 2026 at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, (DCDC Deptt.), Panjab University, Chandigarh. Candidates should report at 11:30 AM. Further details are available at ssgpurch.puchd.ac.in.
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 22 (IANS) The Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Singapore Airlines to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation to a passenger whose family members were not provided proper food during a 15-hour flight from Delhi to Melbourne, including milk for his 11-month-old daughter. The Additional Bench comprising Judicial Member H.P.S. Mahal and Member Kiran Sibal partly allowed an appeal filed by the airline against a January 2023 order of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Ropar, which had directed the airline and a travel agency, Bipasha Aviation, to refund Rs 1.25 lakh towards the air tickets, along with interest, Rs 25,000 as compensation and Rs 11,000 towards litigation expenses. The complaint was filed by Jaspreet Singh, who had purchased three tickets for his wife, minor daughter and mother-in-law to travel from Delhi to Melbourne on March 4, 2020, through the travel agency. According to the complaint, the passengers were not provided proper food during the approximately 15-16-hour journey. Singh alleged that when his family members asked the airline staff about the meals, they were told that their food had not been confirmed and that meals would first be served to passengers whose food bookings had been confirmed. He further alleged that his wife and mother-in-law eventually had to share a single meal, while his 11-month-old daughter was not provided even milk. Singh subsequently lodged a complaint with the airline through email on March 9, 2020. The airline initially assured him that the matter would be investigated but later stated that no request for vegetarian or special meals had been made during the booking process. The airline challenged the District Commission's order, contending that the complainant had not requested any specific meals in advance and that food had been served in accordance with the menu. It also argued that there was no deficiency in service warranting a refund of the ticket fare. The airline further argued that the complainant had not directly hired or availed its services for the grievance raised against it. Rejecting this contention, the Commission observed that the airline was responsible for providing the contracted air travel service with reasonable care, irrespective of whether the tickets had been booked directly or through a travel agent. It noted that the complainant's grievance was not limited to the non-provision of a particular type of meal, but concerned the failure to provide proper food during a long-haul journey, including milk for an infant. It is pertinent to mention here that the fact that a passenger may not have opted for a special meal does not mean that the airline is absolved of its basic duty to provide the ordinary meal service forming part of the air journey, particularly when the journey was of 1516 hours, the Commission said. It further observed that the presence of an 11-month-old child on such a long journey called for reasonable care and consideration from the airline. The Commission also recorded that the airline had failed to place sufficient material on record to establish that the complainant's allegations were factually incorrect or that the requisite food and reasonable facilities had been provided to the passengers. In these circumstances, the explanation furnished by appellant/OP No.1 is not convincing, it said, upholding the finding that the airline was deficient in service. However, the Commission held that directing a refund of the entire ticket fare, along with interest, was disproportionate since the passengers had undertaken the journey and received the principal service for which payment had been made. It observed that the deficiency was related to the manner in which in-flight services were rendered and not to a complete failure to provide air transportation. The inconvenience and hardship caused during a journey of approximately 1516 hours, particularly in the case of a passenger travelling with an 11-month-old child, cannot be brushed aside, the Commission said. Holding that reasonable compensation was warranted, it partly allowed the airline's appeal and directed it to pay Rs 50,000 as a composite amount towards compensation for mental agony and harassment and litigation expenses, instead of the refund and other amounts awarded by the District Commission. The airline has been directed to comply with the order within 45 days of receiving its certified copy. The Commission also ordered that the Rs 1,03,040 deposited by the airline while filing the appeal, along with any accrued interest, be remitted to the District Commission, which may pass an appropriate order regarding its release in accordance with law.
The Punjab government is strengthening its digital ecosystem to simplify and expedite the approval process for investors. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched the Passbook, the financial incentive module of the Fast-Track Punjab portal, in Chandigarh...
NHM Chandigarh Consultant Maternal Health Recruitment 2026
National Health Mission, Chandigarh (NHM Chandigarh) has invited eligible candidates to attend a Walk-in Interview for the post of Consultant Maternal Health. The walk-in interview will be held on 30 October 2026. Candidates should report at 9:30 AM.
In a significant display of frustration, over three lakh employees of the Punjab government took mass casual leave, demanding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and the regularization of contractual staff. The transport sector joined the strike, causing widespread disruptions in bus services. Employee representatives engaged in talks with the government, yet the lack of agreements showcases a growing rift in their relationship.
Chandigarh Sports Council Assistant Female Hockey Coach Recruitment 2026
Chandigarh Sports Council has released the notification for the post of Assistant Female Hockey Coach. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications from 17 October 2026 to 02 November 2026. Further details are available at sportsdeptt.chd.gov.in.
