Chandigarh Admn has not revised welfare pension since 2016: MP Tewari

 CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari on Tuesday disclosed that the administration of the Union Territory of Chandigarh had not revised the social welfare pensions since 2016. Nor had the UT administration sent any proposal to the centre for revision of the same, he added. Tewari said he had raised the question in the parliament, about the number of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes and when had these pensions been revised.  To his surprise, the MP said, the union minister of Social Welfare revealed that the rates of Social Security Pensions viz. Old Age Pension, Widow Pension and Pension to disabled persons in UT Chandigarh were revised in 2016. Similarly, the rates of Old Age Pension, Widow Pension and Disability Pension were revised in December 2017. Tewari said, what is shocking is that the UT administration has not even sent any proposal for revising the social security pension in Chandigarh.  “It is unfortunate that the Chandigarh Administration has not sent any proposal to the Government of India to revise the pensions since 2011, 2012 and 2016 for different categories of pensions for the most vulnerable sections of society to bring it on par with Punjab and Haryana”, he said.

Administration tightens vigil on mineral vehicles to combat illegal mining in Hry

Chandigarh: The Haryana government is taking stringent measures against illegal mining, with the Mining Department closely monitoring activities, said Director General of the Mines and Geology Department KM Pandurang. The government's goal is to ensure complete transparency in the mining process and eliminate illegal mining, he added.  A Department spokesperson said that under the departmental checking, a team in Faridabad today stopped two dumper mineral vehicles without E-Ravana bill. Additionally, two tractor-trolleys were stopped near Billauch village, and upon checking their documents, no bills were found. He said that all the four mineral vehicles have been seized at the concerned police station as per the rules prescribed.

EC invites Party presidents and senior leaders for interaction to further strengthen electoral processes within legal framework

Chandigarh: The Election Commission of India has invited suggestions from all National and State political parties by April 30 for any unresolved issues at the level of ERO, DEO or the CEO, as the case may be. In an individual letter issued to political parties, the Commission also envisaged an interaction with the Party Presidents and senior members of the party, at a mutually convenient time, to further strengthen electoral processes in accordance with the established law. Earlier, during an ECI conference last week, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had directed CEOs, DEOs and EROs of all States/UTs to hold regular interactions with political parties, resolve any suggestions received in such meetings strictly within the legal framework already in place and submit an action taken report to the Commission by March 31.

British Deputy High Commissioner meets Chandigarh Mayor

Chandigarh: British Deputy High Commissioner Caroline Rowett met with Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla to discuss key initiatives for city development and sustainability. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the UK and Chandigarh for urban development projects. Caroline Rowett appreciated the Municipal Corporation's efforts in implementing the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) initiatives, emphasizing their positive impact on sustainability and waste management. She lauded the city’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in municipal governance. A significant part of the discussion revolved around potential UK-based investments in Municipal Corporation projects. The talks aimed at exploring funding solutions and collaborative opportunities for infrastructure development, waste management, and cleanliness drives in Chandigarh. The Mayor welcomed the idea of global partnerships, highlighting the need for strategic investments to enhance city services.