Category: Punjab

Punjab News: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday announced stringent action against M/s Captab Biotech Solan, the pharmaceutical firm responsible for manufacturing and supplying non-standard quality IV Fluid or Normal Saline bottles to the Punjab Health System Corporation (PHSC).

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here, the Health Minister revealed that the company has been debarred for three years from participating in any Punjab Government tenders and all the rate contracts for 11 items being supplied to PHSC have also been cancelled with immediate effect.

“Besides performance security of Rs 3,30,000/- of the firm has been forfeited and pending payments have been withheld,” said Dr Balbir Singh.

The Minister said that after the Punjab Government has taken up this matter with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for taking action under provisions of Drug and Cosmetics Act, the authority has taken prompt action and stopped all manufacturing/production of the company with immediate effect.

The development came following Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) were observed in a few patients at government health institutions in Amritsar and Sangrur due to use of Normal saline manufactured by this company M/s Captab Biotech. Taking immediate action, the DHS Punjab had freezed the entire stock of said normal saline in the interest of health of people of Punjab and PHSC recalled all the stock supplied by the firm.

Dr Balbir Singh informed that sampling of said normal saline was undertaken by joint team of FDA Punjab and CDSCO, New Delhi. The said company had also taken back all the left-out stock after PHSC instructed to recall all the stock of normal saline from all the health institutions across the state at their own cost, he added.

“Besides this, the role of the three Labs which initially passed the samples of this company which later got declared ‘Non-specified Quality’ is also under scrutiny of the Department for lapses,” he said.

In view of the severe heatwave warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for Punjab, Dr Balbir Singh also has issued a public advisory urging all citizens to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from extreme heat. He emphasised the importance of staying hydrated by drinking water frequently and always carrying it when stepping outdoors. He highlighted that special care must be taken for vulnerable groups including newborns, children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with obesity or mental illness, and those suffering from heart diseases or chronic conditions.

He also stressed that labourers, construction workers, and street vendors working under direct sunlight are particularly at risk and should take frequent breaks in shaded areas and sip water regularly during peak heat hours.

The Health Minister further advised the public to avoid outdoor activities between 12 pm and 3 pm, wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, and cover their heads with caps, turbans, or dupattas when stepping out. He encouraged the consumption of seasonal fruits and hydrating homemade drinks like lemon water, lassi, and coconut water, while avoiding alcohol, caffeinated beverages, fried, or stale food. If anyone shows signs of heat-related illness—such as high body temperature, absence of sweating, dry red skin, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, or unconsciousness—they must seek immediate medical attention by calling the 104 helpline.

In wake of the slight rise in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, Dr Balbir Singh urged public not to panic, while advising them follow COVID-appropriate behaviour to prevent further spread of the virus. People should avoid crowded places and wear masks, especially elderly individuals, immunocompromised persons, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, as they are more vulnerable to infection.
Meanwhile, Citizens are also urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty in breathing. The Government of Punjab remains committed to implementing all future guidelines and instructions issued by the Government of India in response to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Amritsar News: As the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday launched Easy Jamabandi Portal, the state scripted a new success story in providing citizen centric services to people in a corruption free, smooth, hassle free and transparent manner.

Both the leaders said that Punjab is taking yet another historic step to root out corruption from key revenue services that lakhs of people are dependent on every year. They said that a few days ago, Punjab launched the ‘Easy Registry’ initiative, aimed at making property registration simpler and more transparent and to eliminate corruption. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that they have launched this initiative in Mohali and it’s a big hit with the people adding that not even a single corruption complaint has been registered in the last month from one entire district which reflects its resounding success.
Both the leaders said that will be extending this to the whole of Punjab by July 15th adding that as Aam Aadmi Party had promised a corruption-free governance to the people of Punjab, and today’s revolutionary initiative reflects the honesty, transparency, and pro-people mindset of our government. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that the portal will enable people to available five main services WhatsApp te Jamabandi (Getting Jamabandi via WhatsApp), Online Intkal (mutation) seva, Rapat Entry, Fard Badar (Correction of Land Records) and Fard Badar (Correction of Land Records). Elaborating it, they said that WhatsApp te Jamabandi (Getting Jamabandi via WhatsApp) will facilitate the people in a big way as 40 lakh people annually either had to visit their Patwari or visit Fard Centers to obtain land record copies (Jamabandi).
However, both the leaders said that now, there is no need to visit a Patwari, stand in queues, or pay bribes for land records as people have to simply go to the Easy Jamabandi website, enter their details and they will get a copy of your Jamabandi for free. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that this will be digitally signed and will have a QR code adding that anyone can scan the QR cord to verify the land record. They said that the state government has digitized land records for 99% of villages in Punjab, all those land records can be availed through this service adding that the remaining villages too will be digitized in the next two months.

Divulging details about Online Intkal (mutation) seva both the leaders said that every year, eight lakh mutations are processed (6 lakh via deed registrations and 2 lakh through inheritance). Previously, Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that getting the ownership updated after buying land or inheriting property involved months of running around and hurdles adding that now, Patwaris cannot create obstacles, and there is no need to pay bribes. They said that if anyone is registering their deed, the mutation will happen automatically within 30 days and in case of inheritance, they can submit request for mutation online on Easy Jamabandi website and the same shall be done within a strict 30-day time limit after which they will get Whatsapp update at every stage of the process.
Speaking about Rapat Entry, Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that every year, about 2 lakh Rapat entries (due to court orders or loans) are made adding that now, there’s no need for physical paperwork or office visits. They said that every case of individual will move digitally from the Patwari with no manual discretion or red-tapeism. Both the leaders said that their Rapat entry will be made within one day for court orders and within seven days for loans.
Giving details about Fard Badar (Correction of Land Records), Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that every year, about 60,000 Fard Badar (record correction) requests are made. They said that to correct errors in land records (say name spelling), people will no longer need to make rounds of government offices or rely on the goodwill of Tehsildars. Both the leaders said that now, a simple form with the required documents can be submitted online and the application will be processed within 15 days time limit adding that nominal application fee for these services will also be paid online.
Speaking about Jamabandi layi Subscribe karo (Subscribe to Your Land Records), Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that in a historic move to protect land ownership, especially for NRIs, the Punjab Government has introduced the “Subscribe to Your Land Records” feature. Previously, they said that many land records were altered without the owner’s knowledge, and often they would find out years later, after which they had to endure long delayed legal struggle in courts to get them corrected. Both the leaders said landowners can now visit the government’s website and subscribe to their land records by paying an annual fee of ₹500 per Khewat (landholding record).
Both the leaders said that this gives them the right to digitally safeguard their land from anywhere in the world. For instance, they said that if there is any attempt to tamper with the subscribed record, the landowner will receive an instant alert via WhatsApp or email after which they can immediately raise an objection online, which will be sent directly to the concerned revenue officer. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that this step ensures land security for NRIs across the globe.
Both the leaders said that for services like Jamabandi (land record copy), Intkal (mutation), and Fard Badar (record correction), every individual previously had to approach Patwaris or Tehsildars. Unfortunately, they said that these offices had become synonymous with corruption but now they won’t have to visit offices of patwards or tehsildars repeatedly. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal said that now all can be done from the comfort of your home with just a click through the website easyjamabandi.punjab.gov.in adding it can also be availed by dialling 1076, or by submitting applications at any Sewa kendra.

Ludhiana News: As part of the Ludhiana West by-poll preparations, polling teams began the ‘Vote from Home’ initiative on Thursday, enabling senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to cast their votes conveniently.

The exercise, which facilitates voting through postal ballots, will continue on June 13 also.

District Election Officer (DEO) Himanshu Jain stated that polling teams, each comprising a polling officer, a sector officer, a micro-observer, a videographer, and security personnel, have started visiting the homes of eligible voters who consented to the facility. A total of 257 voters, including 228 senior citizens aged above 85 and 29 PwDs, have opted for home voting across these two days.

Jain highlighted that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced this pioneering initiative to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in elections. The ‘Vote from Home’ facility empowers senior citizens and PwDs to exercise their voting rights without the need to travel to polling stations, thereby reducing physical and logistical challenges.

This initiative underscores the ECI’s commitment to ensuring equal participation in the electoral process, leaving no voter behind, added the DEO.

Jalandhar News: Aam Aadmi Party’s Jalandhar Central in-charge, Nitin Kohli, expressed gratitude to AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during the foundation-laying ceremony of the upcoming Burlton Park Sports Hub.

Kohli said the government aims to complete the sports hub within a year and open it to the public. “I’ve had a close connection with hockey for the past 40 years. I promise that once the hub is ready, we will host an international hockey tournament featuring five or six countries,” he said, calling the day a historic one.
Kohli assured Kejriwal and Mann that just as the foundation-laying event was grand, the inauguration would also be held with full enthusiasm and pride.

Emotional connection with Burlton Park
Addressing the gathering, Kohli congratulated the residents of Jalandhar and said, “Today’s date will be remembered in the history books. It is a proud moment for me to lay the foundation stone of the Burlton Park Sports Hub. I played cricket here for 20 years.”
He recalled his journey in sports administration, having served as joint secretary and president of Hockey Punjab. “I have a deep bond with this ground. We held 10 Ramesh Chander hockey tournaments here. The events were attended four times by then Prime Ministers, twice by Home Ministers, and once by the President of India,” he said.

Acknowledges contribution of leaders and officials
Kohli announced that the new sports hub will feature a hockey stadium, running track, cycling track, multipurpose gym, and a stadium — a major gift for future generations. He thanked the AAP government for this “historic gift.”
He expressed gratitude to several key individuals, saying, “I am especially thankful to MP Ashok Mittal, who took time out from his busy schedule to accompany me to Chandigarh and Delhi to push this project forward.”
He also thanked Dr. Ravjot, saying, “Every time I called him, he simply said — ‘It’ll be done, don’t worry.’ That reassurance was my biggest strength.”
Kohli praised Municipal Commissioner Gautam Jain, with whom he held several meetings to sort out administrative issues. “His promptness and cooperation played a major role,” he said.
On Mayor Vanit Dhir, Kohli said, “He’s a very progressive leader. I had the opportunity to work with him for ten days after joining AAP, and his positive attitude left a deep impression on me. I feel fortunate to have such support.”
He also extended thanks to senior party leadership, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, and State President Aman Arora. “Special thanks to Aman Arora, who brought me into the party. His vision and support were instrumental in realizing this dream,” Kohli added.

Project began before joining AAP
Kohli said that work on the Burlton Park redevelopment had begun before he joined the Aam Aadmi Party but credited the party and its leaders for driving the project forward.
He thanked AAP councillors, block heads, MLAs, and local leaders whose support made the foundation ceremony a success. “This is just the beginning. We will continue working to beautify Jalandhar. Let us rise above politics and unite for the betterment of our city,” he said.
He also thanked Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal and Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur for ensuring smooth arrangements for the event.

Invites public participation
Meanwhile, Kohli announced the opening of AAP’s Central Office near Ohri Hospital and invited residents to join the movement. “Our doors are always open for those who want to be part of this campaign to make the state as Rangla Punjab again,” he said.