Category: Punjab

Architecture Department to develop contemporary, public friendly building infrastructure : Harbhajan Singh ETO

 

Harbhajan Singh ETO Holds Meeting with Officials of the Architecture Department

Chandigarh, July 9, 2025:

The Hon’ble Public Works & Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO held a review meeting of the Department of Architecture today at Chandigarh. The review included a detailed presentation on the department’s key initiatives, proposed infrastructure improvements, and collaboration with PWD and other Govt. departments on sustainable building designs and urban planning. The review was attended by Chief Architect Sh. Tarun Garg, Addl. Chief Architect Ms. Saroj and other senior functionaries of Architecture Deptt. He took keen interest in the contemporary designs/concepts of stadiums, hospitals and other public buildings, being developed by the deptt. A comprehensive presentation was made on the department’s key initiatives, ongoing architectural projects, upcoming proposals, and its collaboration with PWD on sustainable and innovative building designs.

Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO instructed the department’s officials that the design of new government buildings being constructed in the state should be modern and innovative, as well as suitable for the differently-abled. He was also met by newly recruited Asstt. Architects in the department. The Minister exhorted the young officers to work for sustainable , energy efficient & green buildings. Minister also inquired about the difficulties being faced by the architectural deptt. and advised them to approach him directly for any necessity.

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PUNJAB TO TRAIN MEDICAL OFFICERS IN ADVANCED CRITICAL CARE FOR GOLDEN-HOUR EMERGENCIES

 

— Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh announces Ambitious Training Drive to Revolutionise Health Services in Punjab

 

— Punjab to get 1,000 new Medical Officers soon: Dr Balbir Singh

 

— Health Minister also announces state awards for doctors to honour outstanding contributions in medical service

 

CHANDIGARH, July 9:

 

In a significant move to enhance emergency healthcare services, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday announced an ambitious plan to train at least two Medical Officers (MOs) per district in advanced critical care at premier institutions, equipping doctors with advanced skills to manage ICU and trauma cases effectively across Punjab.

 

Presiding over the two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program on National Health Programs and MLR/PMR for Medical Officers on the concluding day here, Dr Balbir Singh emphasised that this initiative will bridge gaps in emergency care and ensure timely treatment during the “golden hour” – the critical window that often determines patient survival rates.

 

“Every second counts in saving lives. Punjab will set new benchmarks in golden-hour care, ensuring that no patient is left behind,” he said, while citing the success of the STEMI project, which has drastically reduced cardiac mortality through timely treatment.

 

The event brought together dedicated doctors from all 23 districts, reinforcing the state’s commitment to accessible, equitable, and high-quality healthcare for all.

 

Terming doctors as the backbone of the healthcare system, the Health Minister said that their (doctors’) dedication and expertise will shape a healthier and more resilient Punjab. “We are not just treating diseases. We are building a healthcare system that prioritises prevention, timely intervention and compassionate care.”

 

Emphasising humane treatment of psychiatric patients, including those battling addiction, he said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is integrating skill development programs with medical care to support recovery and societal reintegration. “Mental health is a priority. We will provide not just treatment but also opportunities for rehabilitation and empowerment,” he affirmed.

 

Dr Balbir Singh informed that Punjab is all set to recruit 1,000 new Medical Officers, who will undergo specialised induction training before being deployed to rural, border, and remote areas. This initiative aims to bridge the urban-rural healthcare divide and ensure that quality medical services reach every corner of the state, he added.

 

He said that to enhance capacity, critical care and emergency training programs, Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) are being sent to IIM Ahmedabad to undergo advanced training, while psychiatrists underwent specialised psychiatric care programs at AIIMS, Delhi to integrate mental health services into primary care.

 

The Health Minister announced the introduction of state awards to honour outstanding contributions in medical service and public health programs. Additionally, Punjab is bolstering its disease surveillance mechanisms through State Working Groups and District Coordination Committees, ensuring swift responses to health threats.

 

Reiterating the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, the Health Minister emphasised the importance of retaining medical specialists in public service and ensuring the availability of free essential drugs.

 

Concluding his address, the Health Minister praised the medical fraternity, calling them “the chosen architects of Punjab’s healthcare future.” He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to innovation, equity, and excellence in health services, setting a bold vision for a healthier Punjab.

 

Special Secretary Health-cum-MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Family Welfare Dr Jasminder, Deputy Director Dr Navjot Kaur, Deputy Director Dr Surinderpal Kaur, Principal SIHFW Dr Pommy Chatrath, Dr Amandeep Kaur Warring were also present on the occasion.

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Election Commission Issues Show Cause Notice to 8 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties: Sibin C

–        Proceedings initiated for delisting due to non-participation in elections since 2019

Chandigarh, July 9:

          Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C informed that the Election Commission has issued Show Cause Notices to 8 registered unrecognized political parties which have not contested any election to the House of the People or any State Legislative Assembly, including by-elections, since 2019. The Commission has proposed to delist these parties from the list of registered political parties under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

          He said that the the parties who have been issued notices includes All India Shiromani Baba Jiwan Singh Mazhabi Dal,  Bhartiya Muhabbat Party (All India),  Civil Rights Party,  Democratic Congress Party,  Democratic Swaraj Party,  Phule Bharti Lok Party,  Rashtriya Jagrook Party and  Sada Punjab Party.

          According to Commission records, these parties have not set up any candidates in elections over the past six years and their current addresses are also not known. In view of this, the Commission has concluded that the said parties appear to have ceased to function as political parties under the provisions of the Act.

          Before proceeding with delisting, the Commission has given these parties an opportunity to submit a written representation, along with an affidavit from the President or General Secretary and supporting documents, by 15th July 2025. A hearing has also been scheduled on 23rd July 2025, which must be attended by the party President, General Secretary, or Head of the Party.

          Sibin C said that if no reply is received by the stipulated date, it will be presumed that the party has nothing to state in the matter, and the Commission will take appropriate action without further notice.

Chandigarh: Punjab Roadways and PRTC workers went on strike on Wednesday as part of the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called by central trade unions against privatisation and the four new labour laws.

No Punjab Roadways or PRTC buses operated from Mansa bus stand in the morning, while private buses were seen ferrying passengers in the absence of government services.

Manjit Singh, a PRTC official, said permanent employees would try to continue bus services for the public, although their numbers are limited.

Banking, insurance, transport, electricity, and postal services are likely to be affected due to the strike. Various organisations of farmers, labourers, employees, and unemployed youth in Punjab have already extended their support to the protest.

Punjab News: Terming the speedy completion of the e-KYC as of utmost significance with a view to ensure that the eligible beneficiaries continue to receive the free ration (Wheat), the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today gave strict directions to the District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) to complete the process in their respective jurisdictions on war footing.

In a review meeting with the DFSCs through Video Conferencing, the Minister was apprised that out of the total 1.57 Crore beneficiaries in the State, the e-KYC process has been completed with regard to the 1.25 Crore beneficiaries (1,25,55,621). The last date to complete the process was June 30th, 2025 but despite best efforts still there are many beneficiaries with regard to whom the e-KYC has not been done.

Taking strong notice of this, the Minister revealed that all out efforts are being made to get the Government of India (GoI) extend the deadline further to August 31st, 2025. He exhorted the DFSCs to accelerate the e-KYC completion mechanism, identify the worst performing depot holders and warn such depot holders that strong action would be taken against them and their depots would be cancelled if of any negligence is detected in this regard. The process must be fully completed in the July-August-September circle, said Mr. Kataruchak.

Directing the DFSCs to give final push to the initiative, Mr. Kataruchak said that it should be kept in mind that no eligible beneficiary should be left behind and the next review of the process would be held 1 week later and there would be zero tolerance towards the non-performers.

It is noteworthy that e-KYC is a digital method to verify the identity and address of the beneficiary primarily using the Aadhaar Card Number and the Biometrics for authentication. The wheat to eligible beneficiaries is distributed under Public Distribution System (PDS) in 2 categories. Under Antyodaya Ann Yojna (AAY), 35 Kg of Wheat is given on per family and per month basis while under the Priority Households (PHH) category, 5 Kg Wheat on per person per month basis is provided free of cost under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Secretary PUNGRAIN Kamal Kumar Garg and Additional Director Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar.