Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the ordinance would now be sent to the Governor for final approval.

Cheema said strict action would be taken against any private school found violating the new rules once the ordinance comes into force. He also announced that schools which had imposed unjustified fee hikes during the past three years would be required to refund the excess amount collected from parents.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said schools seeking to raise fees beyond the prescribed five per cent limit in future would not be allowed to do so unilaterally. Instead, they would have to present their case before a high-level committee to be constituted by the Punjab Government.

According to Bains, the schools will be required to submit supporting documents and justify the need for any additional fee increase. The committee will also conduct a comprehensive financial audit before taking a final decision.

The Education Minister further revealed that records of schools suspected of indulging in arbitrary fee hikes are already being seized as part of the government’s efforts to curb exploitation of parents and ensure transparency in the education sector.

The move is being viewed as one of the most significant regulatory interventions by the Punjab Government aimed at controlling private school fees and protecting the interests of students and their families.

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Candidates will be allowed to enter examination centres between 11 am and 1:30 pm, after which the gates will be closed and no entry will be permitted.

In Chandigarh, seven examination centres have been established, while nearly 200 centres have been set up across 16 districts of Punjab. Police personnel and examination officials have been deployed at all centres to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the test.

According to officials, examination centres in Chandigarh include Government Model Senior Secondary Schools in Sectors 18, 19, 26 and 46, along with Kendriya Vidyalayas in Sectors 29, 31 and 47. Security arrangements were put in place from early morning, and candidates have been advised to check their admit cards for centre details.

Apart from local police, representatives of the National Testing Agency have also been stationed at the centres to prevent any malpractice or unfair means during the examination.

To ensure the successful conduct of the re-exam, district administrations have been assigned key responsibilities. All Deputy Commissioners have been designated as nodal officers and are directly supervising the examination process in their respective districts.

Authorities said elaborate monitoring and security measures have been implemented to maintain transparency and uphold the integrity of the examination.

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Ravi Chauhan and his young son are facing removal from Canada, while Chauhan’s wife, who has been granted refugee protection by Canadian authorities, is expected to remain in the country. Advocates say the case highlights concerns about the separation of refugee families under existing immigration rules.

According to the family, Chauhan recently received a notice from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requesting his appearance at a Montreal office. What was initially believed to be a routine administrative process reportedly resulted in deportation proceedings being launched against him.

Family members said Chauhan was questioned separately by officials, an experience they claim caused distress to his young son. His wife said the prospect of family separation is devastating, particularly because their child depends heavily on both parents.

Immigration lawyer Stuart Istvanffy described the case as highly unusual, saying he had not previously encountered a situation in which close family members of a recognized refugee were facing deportation. He questioned the public interest served by such action.

The case has also drawn attention from refugee support organizations. Representatives of advocacy groups said they have recently become aware of similar cases and expressed concern over what they describe as a growing trend.

The family arrived in Canada from Haryana in 2023. Chauhan’s wife later sought refugee protection, citing threats and attacks she allegedly faced in India. Canadian authorities granted her refugee status in September 2024.

Under Canadian immigration rules, protected refugees generally cannot return to their country of origin while their permanent residency applications are being processed. Legal experts say that if Chauhan and his son are deported, returning to Canada could become extremely difficult.

Chauhan was reportedly detained for 48 hours before being released on bail. The family says the situation has also affected the well-being of their young son, who is enrolled in school and learning both English and French in Montreal.

The family’s financial stability is also at stake. Chauhan is currently employed in Montreal and is the primary income earner, while his wife remains focused on childcare and recovery from past trauma, according to relatives.

Responding to concerns, Canadian immigration officials said deportation decisions are made only after all legal procedures have been followed. Authorities stated that removal orders are carried out only after available appeal options have been exhausted.

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The deceased, identified as Riya, was regarded as a bright student. She had scored 96.7 percent in Class 12 examinations and later emerged as a college topper. According to officials, she was preparing for the NEET examination.

Police said family members discovered her unresponsive inside her room after she failed to respond when called for breakfast on Wednesday morning.

Circle Officer (Sadar) Ankit Kandari said the incident came to light around 10:30 am when her mother repeatedly called her but received no response. After the room was opened, the family found her hanging and informed the police.

During the investigation, officials recovered a brief handwritten note from the scene. According to police, the note contained messages expressing love and apology to her parents. Authorities said the contents of the note are being examined as part of the investigation.

Police stated that family members did not report any noticeable changes in her behaviour or signs of distress in the days leading up to the incident. According to relatives, she had attended a religious gathering with her family the previous night and was following her usual routine.

Officials said no definitive reason behind the incident has been established so far. Statements of family members and neighbours have been recorded, and further investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the case.

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Officials said the proposed law responds to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, where protecting citizens’ privacy and online security, particularly that of children, has become increasingly important.

Under the proposed framework, technology companies and digital platforms would be required to meet stricter standards for collecting, storing and using personal information. The legislation places particular emphasis on the handling of children’s data, introducing stronger safeguards to prevent misuse or inappropriate sharing of sensitive information.

The government said the measures are designed to ensure greater transparency and accountability in how organizations manage personal data. Digital service providers would be required to clearly explain their data collection practices and provide users with increased control over their personal information.

The proposed legislation also includes significant penalties for companies found to be in violation of privacy requirements, reinforcing compliance across the digital sector.

According to government officials, the initiative seeks to balance innovation with stronger consumer protections while promoting trust in digital technologies. The legislation is also expected to align Canada more closely with leading international standards on privacy and data protection.

Privacy advocates and child rights organizations have welcomed the proposal, describing stronger legal protections as essential for safeguarding children’s privacy in an increasingly connected digital environment.

The bill will now undergo parliamentary review and debate before any final provisions can come into effect.

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Kapurthala News (June 16): Deputy Commissioner Akash Bansal directed all private schools to immediately submit the information sought regarding increase in fees, to the education department.

Presiding over a meeting of the District-Level Fee Regulatory Committee, the Deputy Commissioner stated that, as per the reports received so far, only 60 private schools have submitted details pertaining to fee hikes. He expressed concern and issued strict directions to the remaining schools to furnish the required information without further delay.
The Deputy Commissioner also instructed education Officials to thoroughly verify the records submitted by the schools. He issued a final warning to institutions that have failed to submit the requisite documents, stating that appropriate action would be initiated against defaulters in accordance with the rules.

Bansal further appealed to students, parents, and guardians to come forward with any complaints related to school fees, uniforms, or any other school-related issues. Such grievances can be lodged with the district administration through the helpline number 01822-233777 without hesitation.

Deputy Commissioner assured that the district administration is committed to safeguarding the interests of students and ensuring transparency and fairness in the functioning of educational institutions.

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The move comes as authorities intensify efforts to ensure the integrity and smooth conduct of the medical entrance examination scheduled later this month.

Officials said the action was taken after reports indicated that several online groups were allegedly circulating false claims related to question paper leaks and attempting to mislead students and parents.

As part of the preventive measures, authorities have also introduced additional restrictions on certain platform features during the examination period. The objective is to curb the spread of unverified content and prevent the creation of misleading narratives surrounding the examination process.

Investigators found that some online channels were allegedly being used to promote fraudulent schemes targeting candidates by claiming access to examination materials in exchange for money.

Government agencies said cyber monitoring has been strengthened and strict action will be taken against individuals or groups found involved in examination-related fraud, misinformation campaigns or attempts to exploit students.

Officials maintained that the measures are temporary and aimed solely at protecting the credibility of the examination process and safeguarding the interests of candidates.

The NEET-UG re-examination is expected to be conducted under enhanced security and monitoring arrangements across the country.

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The incident took place in Nepal’s Biratnagar, and local police have launched an investigation into the matter. Family members of Roshan Anand are heading to Nepal after receiving information about the death.

Sources said Prince had also been accused in a 2021 attack on Khan Sir’s coaching centre. The latest controversy between Khan Sir and Roshan Anand has remained in the spotlight for the past several days. While Roshan Anand is currently in jail in connection with the dispute, Khan Sir recently received anticipatory bail from the court.

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The deceased has been identified as Gurbhej Singh, who had moved to the United Kingdom four years ago in search of better employment opportunities. He was reportedly living and working with fellow Punjabis, including youths from his native village.

According to information received by the family through acquaintances in England, Gurbhej was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon by an unidentified person in Southall on Wednesday. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Local police in Southall have launched an investigation into the incident. However, the motive behind the attack and the circumstances leading to the killing have not yet been disclosed.

Gurbhej’s body has been kept at a local hospital, and authorities are continuing their probe.

The victim was the only brother of three sisters. His death has left the family in deep shock and grief.

Speaking about the tragedy, his elder sister Daljit Kaur said she had spoken to him on Sunday and he had not mentioned any concerns or problems. Overcome with emotion, she said the family wanted nothing except for their brother to return home.

Efforts are now underway to complete the necessary formalities for repatriating the body to Punjab.

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The ceremony commenced with the Academic Procession and Vande Mataram, followed by the welcome address by Dr. Prem Kumar, Executive Director, MBCIE, who formally declared the ceremony open.

Presenting the Centre for AI Report, Dr. Prem Kumar reflected on the Centre’s journey, key milestones, and its growing impact in empowering educators and professionals with future-ready skills. He emphasised the importance of ethical and responsible AI adoption and expressed gratitude to Dr. Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman, MBCIE, for his visionary leadership, and Mr. S.K. Rai, Managing Director, Hero Cycles, for his continued mentorship and guidance.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Aditya Madan, Guest of Honour Mr. Pankaj Joshi, and Presiding Officer Mr. Dewaker Jain.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Pankaj Joshi spoke about the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on the employment landscape. He encouraged educators to prepare students not only for existing careers but also for emerging opportunities that AI will create. He highlighted the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and equipping learners with future-focused skills to thrive in an evolving world of work.

In his address, Mr. Aditya Madan underscored the significance of stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry. He appreciated the initiatives being undertaken by MBCIE and spoke about expanding integration with IIT ecosystems to create meaningful opportunities for educators and learners. He also commended the quality and relevance of the capstone projects developed by the participants and assured his support in taking promising ideas forward for greater impact and implementation.

Presiding Officer Mr. Dewaker Jain congratulated the graduating educators for choosing to become learners once again despite their professional responsibilities. He remarked that while technology may transform the way education is delivered, the role of a teacher in shaping values, nurturing curiosity, and inspiring young minds remains irreplaceable. He encouraged participants to embrace innovation with wisdom and continue leading educational transformation with confidence and compassion.

A special segment of the ceremony recognized the Outstanding Performers of the programme, who were honored with medals for their exceptional dedication, innovative thinking, and impactful project work.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduating participants of the AI for Educators Programme – Batch 02. The graduating educators were applauded for their commitment to lifelong learning and their readiness to integrate Artificial Intelligence meaningfully and responsibly into their educational practices.

The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of dignitaries, a heartfelt Vote of Thanks was given by Mr. Navdeep Singh, Head – Academics, the formal declaration of the ceremony’s closure, the National Anthem, an official group photograph, and lunch and networking.

As the graduating educators embarked on the next chapter of their professional journey, the ceremony stood as a celebration of their dedication, curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning. Centre for AI, MBCIE – Satellite Centre IIT Ropar reaffirmed its vision of creating a community of future-ready educators who not only embrace emerging technologies but also lead with purpose, responsibility, and a passion to inspire the next generation of learners in an increasingly AI-driven world.

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